Master of Philosophy in Chinese Studies

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of research skills in issues of China's domestic politics, economics, history, culture, etc., which will contribute to a new generation of scholars able to teach research and otherwise grow the field. This qualification also seeks to attract candidates with specialisation in China-Africa, and China-international relations, whose research expertise also feeds into broader training and research programmes for the future. This second group's research areas will also have implications for business, government and other spheres. Both branches will be relevant in the field of academia, and other research based professions with a similar focus.

In articulation with other Arts and Social Science departments, learners may be directed for meetings/co-supervision in relevant departments. They will also be given prescribed reading on topics relevant to their research. This process will be carefully shaped by regular and close engagement with their academic supervisors. Supplementary language classes at the Modern Foreign Languages Department may also be advised. In carrying out these procedures, candidates will be enabled to achieve the following outcomes:

• Assimilate knowledge from a wide range of topics and research areas in the field of China Studies and cognate disciplines.
• Master the research process, including the selection of a topic; self-driven but supervised investigation; data collection and management; assimilation, analysis, interpretation and critical discussion; understanding and coherent presentation.
• Organise and manage time and activities effectively.
• Use visual, oral and written skills to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate in-depth, specialised knowledge of a topic relevant to the broader field of Chinese Studies, and advanced applied skills in conducting social science and humanities based research.

Rationale

As the demand for expertise on China increases on the African continent, the need for a relevant post-graduate study qualification has become increasingly urgent. While decolonisation within Africa and the fall of apartheid in South Africa have witnessed a renaissance in African focused Humanities and Social Sciences, this is nevertheless still complemented by a strong emphasis on the Euro-American sphere. The study of regions such as Asia, has remained marginalised. The rapid speed with which China has begun to exert influence on Africa has transformed what might once have been considered an 'esoteric' field of study into one which is now critical. The speed of this development has caught tertiary education institutions off foot, in which the relevance and importance of China to Africa is vastly disproportionate to the available educational capacities available in this regard. The Master of Philosophy in Chinese Studies offers a remedy to this institutional lag in the form of an intensive, comprehensive post-graduate level focus on China.

This qualification can be viewed as a contribution toward African development of 'Asia literacy'. At the level of African governments and business, there is a severe lack of contextual knowledge regarding engagement with China. This deficit can have very real effects at the level of practical engagement.

The range of topical themes covered by this qualification will necessarily include a significant, or entire, focus on China, or the greater China region (including Taiwan, Hong Kong and diasporic communities). It is anticipated, given the local context, that a substantial portion of candidates applying will focus on topics pertaining to China-Africa relations in, varyingly, their historical, political, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. Learners may also wish to engage in study covering China's relationships with other countries (predominant trends include Japan, the United States and the Brazil, Russian, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries), or conduct their research primarily on a Chinese domestic issue, be it cultural, historical, economic, etc.

While this multi-disciplinary focus will enable a broader pool of learners to enroll, all applications will be judged according to their feasibility. This not only includes the quality of application but also adequate staff, be they supervisory, co supervisory or advisory in nature.

This qualification will serve as the basis for additional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualifications in China Studies, which are anticipated to be running by 2019.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institution considers learners applying for RPL in terms of the "Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning". The Institution handles RPL requests according to the Institution's RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is

• A four-year cognate Bachelor's Degree at Level 8.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) Hons (Mandarin).
• An Honours Degree in Social Sciences.
• A Postgraduate Diploma in Modern China Studies.
• An appropriate Honours Degree Postgraduate Diploma.

Or

• A qualification deemed equivalent by Senate.

This qualification consists of a compulsory Thesis (Chinese Studies) module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

1. Assimilate knowledge from a wide range of topics and research areas in the field of China Studies and cognate disciplines.
2. Master the research process, including the selection of a topic; self-driven but supervised investigation; data collection and management; assimilation, analysis, interpretation and critical discussion; understanding and coherent presentation.
3. Organise and manage time and activities effectively.
4. Use visual, oral and written skills to communicate effectively.
5. Demonstrate in-depth, specialised knowledge of a topic relevant to the broader field of Chinese Studies, and advanced applied skills in conducting social science and humanities based research.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria (AAC) will be used in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Formulate clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of Chinese Studies.
• Decide on the most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s).
• Find all relevant information, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, by accessing Internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
• Critically evaluate the relevant literature.
• Write an appropriate literature review.
• Formulate and write a research protocol.
• Conduct the study and analyse the data.
• Draw logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data.
• Present and defend the results of the research in an acceptable format.
• Write a credit-bearing assessment in the form of a thesis, examined internally and externally in accordance with the Institution's policy.

Integrated Assessment

The only credit-bearing assessment is that of the thesis. It is examined internally and externally, consistent with the Institution's policy, the programme coordinator will ensure that the outcomes of this qualification are achieved; that appropriate assessment criteria and methods are used; that integrated assessment takes place; and that learner feedback is followed up. The institution will ensure that assessment standards are upheld and that lecturers have sufficient and appropriate training and/or experience.