Chinese Studies
Ever thought about learning a language spoken by one-fifth of the world's population? The four year Cambridge course in Chinese aims to provide its undergraduates with the opportunity to strive for fluency in the modern Chinese language, a solid grounding in classical and literary Chinese and a critical understanding of the rich variety of Chinese culture. You will experience an exceptional challenge to your character and talents that will equip you for rewarding careers and a lifetime of appreciation of the vibrant living tradition of China and Chinese communities worldwide. While no prior knowledge of the language is required or expected, imagination, perseverance and a sense of adventure will be essential. We are looking for students who relish not exoticism but a serious commitment to the enterprise of learning about a vital and increasingly important part of the world.
On the left:
Sir Thomas Francis WADE (1818-1895)
The first holder of the Chair of Chinese at Cambridge
On the right:
Herbert Allen GILES (1845-1935)
The second holder of the Chair of Chinese at Cambridge
Denis Crispin Twitchett (1925 - 2006)
A memoir, by Prof. David McMullen, of "a totally dedicated scholar of medieval Chinese history with wide sympathies, rare erudition and prodigious energy ... [whose] contribution to shaping the field of Chinese Studies in his generation was enormous".
The "Cambridge Seven" were seven Cambridge students who went to China in 1885 as missionaries of the China Inland Mission