Modern East Asian Studies (M.A.)

Modern East Asian Studies (M.A.)

The MA Modern East Asian Studies (MEAS) is an English-taught degree program on contemporary East Asia for graduates with a background in East Asian regional studies and outstanding knowledge of an East Asian language. The focus of the program is the theoretical and problem-centered analysis of societies, politics and economies in East Asia and the strengthening of previously acquired language skills.

Curriculum

The one-year MA program MA MEAS offers Advanced Chinese, Japanese or Korean language and the choice of a discipline (sociology, political science or economics). The program combines advanced language skills with interdisciplinary and discipline-specific modules focusing on Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies. Its aim is to deepen and enrich students’ skills in assessing contemporary change, the challenges facing the East Asian region and the implications of such developments for Europe.

Semester 1: Students deepen their Chinese, Japanese and Korean language skills by focusing on reading, writing and discussing on advanced level. Additionally, students choose three out of approx. ten Advanced East Asian Studies (AEAS) modules, complemented by one elective module, after an individual mentoring session with the coordinator or their academic advisor.

Semester 2: 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

For students who have no experience in Asia, a semester abroad is strongly recommended. The semester abroad can be arranged in the 2nd Semester (MEAS). 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 same 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