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Chinese Studies

Major

Important information at a glance

Degree: Bachelor of ArtsLanguage of Instruction: GermanStart of studies: Winter semesterAdmission: Unrestricted admissionCombined subjects: Combined bachelor's degree (major)Standard period of study: 8 semestersSemester abroad: Mandatory

The bachelor's program in Sinology provides the following knowledge and skills:

  • Excellent knowledge of modern standard Chinese (oral and written communication skills, reading and text comprehension)
  • Empirical study of Chinese everyday culture and practice of ethnographic analyses during a semester abroad in a Chinese-speaking region
  • Knowledge of the political, social, economic, and cultural structures as well as the historical fundamentals of modern China
  • China-related communicative and intercultural competence
  • Knowledge of the fundamentals of academic work and skills in the procurement, analysis, assessment, preparation, and presentation of China-related information
    - Knowledge of the history of Sinology as a discipline and the ability to critically and reflectively engage with China-related data, sources, texts, and methods
  • The degree program at Goethe University Frankfurt provides specialized knowledge in three focus areas:
  • Chinese knowledge cultures and the contextualization of intellectual history, history of science, and history of disciplines within political, social, and economic contexts, as well as intercultural transfer
  • The social science approach to political science, economics, sociology, and legal topics with a strong focus on contemporary issues
  • Scholarly engagement with the functions and impact of modern literature, theater, and film in China, including the connection of questions regarding the production, dissemination, and reception of literary works, theater, and film productions with the political, social, and economic context of China.

Structure and content

Chinese Studies can be pursued as a major or as a minor.

Course of study

1st Semester

  • S1: Modern Chinese: Elementary Level 1  
  • G1: Introduction to Sinology  

2nd Semester

  • S2: Modern Chinese: Elementary Level 2  
  • G2: Professional and Formal Fundamentals of Sinology 

3rd Semester

  • S3: Modern Chinese Intermediate Level 1: Internship Semester in a Chinese-Speaking Region  

4th Semester

  • S4: Modern Chinese Intermediate Level 2  
  • G3: Chinese Language and Communication Culture: Fundamentals 
  • G4: Political and Intellectual Principles of Chinese Society 
  • G5: Chinese Literature  

5th Semester

  • S4: Modern Chinese Intermediate Level 2  
  • S7: Classical Chinese Written Language / Wenyanwen  
  • G4: Political and Intellectual Principles of Chinese Society  
  • G5: Chinese Literature  

6th Semester

  • S5: Modern Chinese Advanced Level  
  • S6: Translation from Chinese  
  • S7: Classical Chinese Written Language / Wenyanwen 
  • V1: Chinese Knowledge Cultures (Elective 1) and/or  
  • V2: State and Society in China (Elective 2)  

7th Semester

  • S5: Modern Chinese Advanced Level  
  • S6: Translation from Chinese  
  • S7: Classical Chinese Written Language / Wenyanwen  
  • V3: Chinese Literature and Cultures of Performance (Elective 3)  

8th Semester

  • B1: Working with Chinese Research Materials  
  • B2: Bachelor’s Thesis

You can find more information about the major subject Sinology on the department page. 

Study regulations

The study regulations govern the structure, organization, and content of the degree program as well as the examination system. They form the basis for your studies at Goethe University.