East Asian Studies/Modern Sinology (B.A.)

The course of studies in the bachelor’s degree programme "East Asian Studies/Modern Sinology" is divided into the areas of language training, knowledge transfer, theory and methodological training, research and preparation for further studies as well as preparation for professional careers.

• Language Training: The students develop basic qualifications in modern, standard Chinese language (spoken and written) as a prerequisite for the mastery of everyday communication. There is an introduction to the pre-modern literary language. The fifth semester is spent at a Chinese or Taiwanese partner university.
• Knowledge transfer: Students acquire introductory qualifications in the fields of history and philosophy/religion. Additionally, students choose three from the following five fields to acquire introductory qualifications: politics, society, economics, and law of modern China and linguistics of modern Chinese. These introductory qualifications enable students to understand processes in modern and contemporary China.
• Theory and methodological training: The course provides a critical understanding of important cultural and social science theories and methods in their application to the subject of China. In addition to the specialized study of Sinology, a second subject must be studied as an extra-subject area of competence in order to sharpen the profile through basic knowledge of another discipline.
• Academic research work and preparation for advanced degree programmes: Students obtain the ability to deepen the knowledge acquired independently and to develop knowledge of the current state of research. They acquire the capability to take a differentiated approach to reflection regarding modern China and are introduced to scientific work on issues that arise in this context.

Training in the bachelor's programme in East Asian Studies/Modern Sinology qualifies students for professional careers in all areas that require excellent language skills and specialized knowledge for the development of modern China. This includes, in addition to the transfer of knowledge and competencies mentioned above, the ability to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to professionals and lay people, both orally and in writing. The job market provides career opportunities in Germany, China, East Asia and worldwide for university graduates with China-related training and very good Chinese language skills. Depending on the individual focus, graduates find job opportunities in commercial enterprises, the media, as interpreters or translators, in the field of tourism, in the Foreign Service, in foundations and cultural exchanges, libraries, publishing houses, in teaching and research. It is advisable, even before the degree course and during the semester breaks to increase the chances of career opportunities through relevant internships as well as a targeted selection of focus of the degree course, and by establishing contacts. The selection of the area of professionalization and the key competencies play an important role. Utilization of the subject-specific Student Advisory Service is recommended.

Knowledge of English and one other modern foreign language is recommended, at least at the level B2 of the common European framework of Reference for languages, in each case.