Traditional China
Master
In Oxford
Description
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Type
Master
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Location
Oxford
About the course
The MSt in Traditional China provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills needed for research on pre-modern and early modern China. It is designed to stand independently as a one-year qualification which can lead on to further study elsewhere, but also to provide the standard training required of graduate students here in Oxford aiming at a thesis degree in pre-modern and early modern Chinese Studies.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Subjects
- Supervisor
Course programme
On the course you will work closely with certain members of Oxford’s internationally renowned team of specialist researchers from the China Centre, who will help you to tailor your master's degree to suit your needs and interests. The course involves a number of different elements.
The first is the close reading of selected texts which bear on your area of special interest. The selection will be carefully worked out during the first term of the course, and will balance your particular needs with those of other students working in similar areas.
The second is a basic course in Japanese or another specialist language relevant to the research topic, if taught at Oxford. Time is obviously too short to do real justice to this most difficult language, profoundly different from Chinese. So, teaching focuses on the essential need – to bring you to the point at which you can begin to tackle publications by Japanese specialists in your field. Once basic script and grammar have been covered, instruction moves straight on to readings with a Chinese focus. (There is no time to spare for the skills of speaking and listening.) The teacher for the Japanese course will be a native Japanese instructor.
The third element is an introduction to Sinology. This deals with the procedures of chronology, geography, bureaucracy, biography and bibliography in the context of traditional Chinese studies. The aim here is not so much to transmit information as to lead you away from a dependent, passive approach towards a questioning and free-standing research style.
The final element is a 15,000-word dissertation on an approved topic of your choice, based on primary sources. Time is short and length is restricted, but this part of the course will still aim to bring out your powers of exposition and analysis, and you will document your work according to professional academic standards.
Most of the teaching will be on an individual basis or in very small groups.
Evaluation of the course normally takes place entirely during the third term, through a combination of examination papers in prepared texts and unprepared translation in Classical Chinese or another approved Asian language, a take-home research exercise, and a dissertation. An oral examination (viva voce) may also be required.
Further information on the examination procedure for the MSt in Traditional China can be found in the Course Handbook, which can be accessed via the faculty's course webpage.
SupervisionThe allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Oriental Studies and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Oriental Studies.
Graduate destinationsThe MSt in Traditional China is designed to prepare students for doctoral research. The majority of students go on to careers in the academic world, education and in museums. However, there are also students who have found employment in business, the media and diverse other fields.
Changes to this course and your supervision The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study. Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment. For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.
Other courses you may wish to consider If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.
Courses suggested by the faculty
Modern Chinese Studies MPhil
Traditional East Asia MPhil
Oriental Studies DPhil
Contemporary Chinese Studies DPhil
The MSt in Oriental Studies is often taken by candidates working in modern Chinese literature and culture. The MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies includes modern history.
All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Oriental Studies
Bible Interpretation MSt
Buddhist Studies MPhil
Classical Armenian Studies MSt
Classical Hebrew Studies MSt
Classical Indian Religion MPhil
Contemporary Chinese Studies MSc
Cuneiform Studies MPhil
Eastern Christian Studies MPhil
Egyptology MPhil
Islamic Art and Archaeology MSt
Islamic Art and Archaeology MPhil
Islamic Studies and History MPhil
Islamic Studies and History MSt
Japanese Studies MPhil
Japanese Studies MSc
Jewish Studies MPhil
Jewish Studies MSt
Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period MSt
Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period MPhil
Korean Studies MSt
Modern Chinese Studies MPhil
Modern Middle Eastern Studies MSc
Modern Middle Eastern Studies MPhil
Modern South Asian Studies MSc
Modern South Asian Studies MPhil
Oriental Studies DPhil
Oriental Studies MSt
Syriac Studies MSt
Tibetan and Himalayan Studies MPhil
Traditional China MSt
Traditional East Asia MPhil
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Entry requirements
Traditional China