Contemporary East Asian Studies (M.A.)

Contemporary East Asian Studies (M.A.)

The MA Contemporary East Asian Studies (CEAS) is an English-taught social science-based program with a contemporary and interdisciplinary profile. The focus of the program is the theoretical and problem-centered analysis of societies, politics and economies in East Asia and includes intensive training in an East Asian language.

Curriculum

The two-year MA Program MA CEAS offers Chinese, Japanese or Korean language and the choice of a discipline corresponding to the student’s previous degree (sociology, political science or economics). It combines intensive language training with interdisciplinary and discipline-specific modules focusing on Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies. The program’s aim is to deepen and enrich the students’ skills in assessing contemporary change, the challenges facing the East Asian region and the implications of such developments for Europe.

Semester 1: Three compulsory introductory modules help students to familiarise themselves with East Asian studies from different disciplinary perspectives. In addition, students start their training in the language of their choice (Chinese, Japanese or Korean; native speakers are not allowed to choose their mother tongue).

Semester 2: Students select two Advanced East Asian Studies (AEAS) modules and one elective module out of approx. 10 modules after an individual mentoring session with the coordinator or their academic advisor. These modules present problem-oriented and discipline-based perspectives on politics and the society or economy of China, Japan and Korea or the entire East Asian region. Students also continue their language training.

Semester 3: Students complete their language training and select two additional AEAS and one elective module.

Semester 4: Students concentrate on writing their Master’s thesis. The thesis is an independent piece of research about a cutting-edge topic on contemporary East Asia. It is intended to provide evidence of the student’s newly acquired knowledge, theoretical and methodological skills in East Asian regional studies, and language proficiency.

Study abroad period

Not obligatory. However, we encourage in particular those students who do not have extended experience of living in East Asia to study in the country of interest. Students can apply to study for one term at one of our partner universities in East Asia in their 4th semester of MA CEAS. Places are highly limited and allocated according to internal priority guidelines.

Internships during study

For students who have no experience in Asia, a semester abroad is strongly recommended. The semester abroad can be arranged in the 4th semester. The semester abroad should be planned with the coordinator and a mentor, so that no loss of time arises. The university supports the search for a place of study abroad. However, a claim for allocation of a study place abroad does not exist. The 4th semester is also the most appropriate time to do an internship in Germany or abroad.

Network and Careers

Our MA CEAS graduates are qualified

• for further studies at the doctoral level,
  
• for high-level positions in multinational corporations, in politics/political consulting, in governmental and non-governmental think tanks and institutions, and in international organizations where intensive knowledge of East Asia and language competency is in high demand.
  

Several of our alumni have gone on to pursue a PhD degree. Local destinations for research-oriented graduates of our MA programs include the BMBF-funded IN-EAST School of Advanced Studies or the MERCUR-supported Alliance for Research on East Asia AREA Ruhr.

Weitere Informationen zum Studiengang