Research Areas
1. Foreign Literature
2. Foreign Culture
Objectives
The second-level discipline of “Foreign Literature and Culture” integrates the fields of foreign literature studies and foreign culture studies, providing interdisciplinary and comprehensive training for postgraduate students. The program aims to enable students to systematically master the foundational theories, specialized knowledge, and research methods in the study of foreign literature and culture, to read relevant foreign language literature fluently, and to stay informed about the latest research achievements in the field both domestically and internationally. Students will develop a deeper literary sensibility and a richer cultural knowledge base, along with cross-cultural communication skills and an interdisciplinary perspective that draws from economics, history, political science, and ecology for literary and cultural research.
Requirements for Candidates
As an important part in cultivating high-level talents in foreign literature and culture, the Master’s program in Foreign Literature and Culture is open to graduates with bachelor’s degree from accredited universities in China and abroad. Applicants must be in good physical and mental health, possess sound moral integrity, have a solid foundation in foreign language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), and understand fundamental theories and research methods in foreign literature and culture. They should also exhibit a rigorous academic attitude and a desire to engage in research in this area.
Curriculum Structure
In alignment with the objectives of the second-level discipline of Foreign Literature and Culture, the program offers three major course modules that fully leverage the interdisciplinary research advantages of literary texts and socio-cultural research.
“Foundation Courses” Module
This module of “Foundation Courses” focuses on imparting foundational knowledge and methodologies common to the first-level discipline of foreign language and literature, aiming to broaden students’ research perspectives and establish a solid groundwork for their specialized studies. It helps students understand the knowledge system and development of the field, gaining systematic insights into the latest research areas and findings in the discipline. Courses offered include “Introduction to Linguistics,” “Overview of Foreign Literature and Culture,” and “Introduction to Translation Studies.”
“Core Courses” Module
This module centers on courses related to literary and cultural studies across various research areas, with the goal of strengthening the construction of theoretical knowledge based on students’ foreign language backgrounds and research topics. Specific courses include “Western Literary Theory,” “Classic Readings in English Literature,” “Studies in American Women’s Novels,” “Research on Anglo-American Poetics,” and “Critical Approaches to Japanese Literature.”
“FeaturedCourses” Module
This module features some interdisciplinary courses that align with the strengths of the school and the research expertise of the faculty. Specific courses include “New Economic Criticism in Literature,” “New Historicism in Literary Studies,” “Ecocultural Studies,” and “Economic Cultural Research.”
