Skip to Content

Master of Arts Program Requirements: Chinese Studies

There are two options for students pursuing an MA degree specializing in Chinese literature: a terminal Masters course and preparations for early entry into the PhD program.

Option One

This is the usual option for students seeking the MA degree in East Asian languages and literatures with a specialization in Chinese literature, and it prepares students for study at the doctoral level. This option requires successful completion of a minimum of fourteen graduate-level courses including:

  • Issues in Early Chinese Literature (CHN 523)
  • Issues in Medieval Chinese Literature (CHN 524)
  • Issues in Modern Chinese Literature (CHN 525)
  • Two advisor approved graduate courses in literary theory or another literature
  • Chinese Bibliography (CHN 550)
  • One approved course in language pedagogy, Asian history, or another field relevant to the student’s career objectives
  • Five Chinese seminars

With the adviser’s approval, one course in Reading and Conference (CHN 605) may be counted as one of the fourteen courses. Students must pass a comprehensive written examination at the end of study or write and defend a Master of Arts thesis. Students who elect to write a thesis must register for 9 credits of Thesis (CHN 503). The student must form a two member exam/thesis committee by the fourth quarter of the program.

Option Two

A master’s student may, in consultation with the student’s adviser, apply for early entry to the PhD program. Such applications are typically made in spring term but, in any event, only after at least two terms at the university. Applications must include transcripts, three recommendations, and a statement of the student’s prospective course of study. Students who elect this option are awarded the master’s degree upon completion of the course work for the PhD degree. This option requires successful completion of a minimum of twelve 4-credit graduate-level courses including :

  • Issues in Early Chinese Literature (CHN 523)
  • Issues in Medieval Chinese Literature (CHN 524)
  • Issues in Modern Chinese Literature (CHN 525)
  • Two advisor approved graduate courses in literary theory or another literature
  • Chinese Bibliography (CHN 550)
  • One approved course in language pedagogy, Asian history, or another field relevant to the student’s career objectives
  • Five Chinese seminars

With the adviser’s approval, one course in Reading and Conference (CHN 605) may be counted as one of the twelve courses. Students must pass a comprehensive oral examination that covers the student’s primary areas of study.

Timeline for Completion of the MA Program