Faculty of Philosophy Chinese Studies – Master of Education Extension Subject
In the Chinese Studies academic programme, students learn about both traditional and contemporary aspects of China, including the role played by China in the greater world and the associated diversified exchange processes that link both China’s history and its present-day existence to other regions.
Pre-Semester Course for All New Students in Chinese Studies
Information about the Master of Education
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Master of Education |
| Type of programme | Consecutive |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | Deutsch |
| Fees and contributions | 151.05 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Procedure for Master of Education Extension Subjects |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
| Part-time option | Yes |
Course Content
China and Chinese language are being increasingly incorporated into progressive educational policy. Chinese language is ever more commonly offered as a school subject in Germany, with efforts being made to strengthen and further this development. Alongside this, more general instruction around knowledge and competencies associated with Chinese culture and communication, is being actively promoted in the education sector. Where students take Chinese as an extension subject at Heidelberg University, they gain the skills and knowledge required to teach Chinese as a foreign language in schools in Baden-Württemberg and Germany. Graduates are thereby able to provide language instruction which supports learners’ ability to communicate and navigate Chinese culture. They are also able to convey knowledge and competencies associated with Chinese culture and communication more generally.
Chinese studies in Heidelberg focuses on the study of cultural and social aspects of Chinese societies, including their historical development, contemporary characteristics, regional interrelationships, and material artefacts. Where Chinese is studied is an extension subject, students benefit from in-depth engagement with these areas. Intensive language instruction ensures that students are able to read, understand, and analyse specialist texts written in both traditional and simplified script. They are also able to speak and write modern Chinese fluently. Alongside subject knowledge, students also gain the didactic skills required to teach Chinese as a foreign language. These skills are honed through ancillary courses, practice classes and a colloquium. A diverse range of elective courses centred on both thematic content and aspects of Chinese language, enable students to develop a specialism in pre-modern or modern Chinese studies.
Students taking Chinese as an extension subject as part of the Master of Education are not required to demonstrate prior knowledge of the field.
Course Structure
The course consists in five language modules, four thematic modules, and three blended modules. In addition, students complete a Master’s thesis. The intensive language component involves study of both modern and traditional forms of Chinese. In later courses, students develop a specialism. As part of the four thematic modules, students complete four preparatory seminars which equip them with fundamental understanding of Chinese history, as well as additional, elective fields including Chinese literature, politics, or economics. In addition, students attend a colloquium and the course “Specialised Didactics - Chinese Language”, which specifically prepares students to deliver instruction for Chinese as a foreign language. The final blended modules give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice. Students conduct independent research into self-selected areas of Chinese studies,
they practice reading and translating challenging specialist texts, and produce lesson plans on the basis of their research findings. They reflect on these processes in individual consultation hours or as part of working groups. The Institute maintains collaborative partnerships with schools in the local area and offers students the opportunity to gain in-school experience during the course of study. Students may opt to extend their course of study by spending a period of time abroad, with the aim of developing their language skills.
A total of 120 credits must be gained for the successful completion of the course of study in Chinese. The standard period of study is four semesters.
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