FAQ

Sinology is the (intellectual) scientific study of China and Chinese culture. This includes various fields such as Chinese sociology, history, and economics. The strengths of sinology in Zurich lie mainly in the research areas of modern cultural studies, linguistics, the history of language, culture, and science in ancient China, Daoism and Buddhism, intellectual history, and Ming/Qing literature. Sinology is rarely represented at European universities with this focus and range of subjects. In addition, there are regular introductions to methodological work and the use of methods for analyzing texts from China. With the large number of academic staff in Zurich's Sinology department, it is also possible to cover a wide time span and range in both modern and classical China, and the strengths mentioned above are just some of the main directions in which Sinology is heading here. However, there is less emphasis on sociology, economics, and politics at our seminar. Of course, these can also be supplemented by your own combination of subjects, just as your other subjects reflect your own focus of study!

What Sinology is definitely not is simply learning the Chinese language. The mere ability to speak the language is actually only a means to an end in order to gain access to China in the first place.

In the vast majority of cases, yes. If you can afford it in terms of time and money, we definitely recommend a one-year language study trip to China to consolidate your Chinese language skills. Experience has shown that the best time for this is the second year of study. There are also numerous scholarships available for your stay. However, achievements in China are almost never recognized.

The official standard period of study for a Bachelor's degree is three years and it is perfectly possible to complete your Sinology degree here in this time frame. Nevertheless, you must take into account that clashes with other subjects, work alongside your studies and a year abroad in China can prolong your studies, but this can also have its advantages: After all, it also gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills in Sinology, which may not be developed enough in three short years!

The first year of study (assessment level) mainly consists of language acquisition. There is also a two-semester introduction to sinology, which focuses on the basics of Chinese history. There is also an intensive course in writing during the winter vacation; you should also bear this in mind when looking for a job.

The language course and introduction will keep you more or less busy for a year. How busy depends of course on whether your strengths lie in language acquisition, but more than one or two other courses will hardly fit into your schedule. As the language course takes place almost every day, it is also difficult to find courses in other subjects that you can attend at all.

In the second year, i.e. usually after your stay in China, things become a little more flexible and there are no longer any courses that take up as much time as Modern Chinese.

According to the study guide, you should also learn Ancient Chinese in the first year, depending on your degree program. However, we advise against this unless you already have previous knowledge of Chinese. Learning two very difficult languages at the same time is a real challenge!

Definitely! It's actually quite a popular minor, albeit more time-consuming than some others. However, the structure of the minor is different from most other programs in the Faculty of Arts: here, too, you have to learn Chinese first, and that means at least a one-year, quite intensive course during which you will probably have little time for your major or the other minors.

You will therefore have to plan your studies differently than usual, because you can only study your minor subject at the same time as your major subject with a great deal of effort.

The Chinese Studies Student Association serves as a platform that provides students with access to resources, networks, and events that enrich the study of the Chinese language, culture, and history. As a member, you will benefit from various offerings, such as guest lectures, workshops, and cultural events, to enhance your academic and social experience.

To become a member, you should study Chinese studies as a major or minor. Membership costs CHF 5 per semester. To register, please get in touch with a board member directly or use our contact form on the website.

The Chinese Studies Student Association organizes events, such as first-semester aperitifs, guest lectures, and end-of-semester dinners. Information on upcoming events can be found on our website and social media channels. As a member, you will be regularly informed about forthcoming events and cordially invited to participate.

Yes, there are many ways to get involved in the Chinese Studies Student Association. We are always looking for students who would like to help organize events, participate in committees, or even take on a role on the board. If interested, please contact us via the contact form or speak to a board member directly.

The Chinese Studies Student Association supports finding internships and job opportunities through our network of alumni and partners. We regularly share relevant job and internship opportunities and organize events focused on career development.

Sponsoring the Chinese Studies Student Association allows your company to strengthen brand awareness and image in an academic and culturally exciting environment. It provides a unique platform to demonstrate your social responsibility while gaining access to a group of dedicated students and professionals who could be potential future employees or customers.

We offer different sponsorship levels, including Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each class includes specific benefits such as brand placement on our website and event materials, the opportunity to speak at events, and invitations to exclusive networking events. For full details, please get in touch with us using the contact form.

As a sponsor, you can be present at several of our events, be it through brand displays, the provision of materials, or even through active participation and speaker roles, depending on the type of sponsorship and the event.

Yes, there are numerous opportunities to support special projects such as research initiatives, workshops or cultural events. We are open to suggestions and can put together a package to suit your interests and marketing objectives.

Absolutely. We welcome proposals for joint projects and collaborations and look forward to discussing innovative ideas that serve the interests of both parties.

If you have any further questions, have discovered an error or simply want to comment, please send us an e-mail:

sin.fachverein[at]aoi.uzh.ch

or use the contact form on the contact page.