Overview
The MA in Chinese Studies aims to provide students who already have a background in Chinese language and culture at undergraduate level with an opportunity to specialise in the area of cultural and literary analysis with particular emphasis on the conflict and communication within the Sinosphere (mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) and between China and the West. The programme introduces students to academic research, new ideas and theoretical approaches. It aims to equip students with academic, analytical, creative, reflective and presentation skills in order to foster interest and involvement in the field of Chinese languages, literatures and cultures. It also aims to enhance students' knowledge and understanding of important concepts of Chinese languages, literatures, cultures and societies, in particular with regard to mainland China.
It is possible to study modules of particular interest without completing a Masters degree or to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9) in Chinese Studies after completing 60 credits of taught modules.
Course Structure
The programme involves two elements: a set of modules (60 ECTS) on which students will be examined in January (30 ECTS) and in May/June (30 ECTS), and a dissertation (Minor Thesis) which students complete after their second semester (30 ECTS).
1. In each semester, students are obliged to take one language module (5 ECTS) and two content modules offered by Chinese Studies.
2. Students have to take three content modules offered by the SMLLC: Research Skills/Research Methodology ML610 (5 ECTS), Introduction to Intercultural Studies GN612A (5 ECTS) and Approaches to Translation Studies ID611 (5ECTS).
3. The Viva Voce Examination (conducted – at least partly – in Mandarin Chinese) will take place in early June. Normally, the external examiner, the Head of Chinese Studies and the thesis supervisor will all be present and act as examiners so as to ensure international standards.
4. The minor theses will be supervised by SMLLC full-time members of staff after consultation with the student.
Comment
School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Maynooth University is one of the main centres of research in the study of modern languages, literatures and cultures in Ireland, offering MA programmes and MLitt and structured PhD studies in each of the constituent disciplines. In addition to French, Spanish, German and Chinese; Dutch, Portuguese, Catalan and Breton are taught in the School. The SMLLC offers personal supervision and teaching by renowned experts in a wide variety of fields, innovative areas of research and a lively intellectual environment.