Master of Confucian Philosophy?

[LinZhenPu]

I've read somewhere that Chinese students who graduate with a Master of Confucian Philosophy are more or less guaranteed a reasonably prestigious role as a public servant and a relatively cushy lifestyle.

 

Is it worth it for a foreigner with advanced Chinese language skills to go do a Master of Confucian Philosophy? What kind of doors would that open for me if I successfully graduated from this degree? Are foreigners allowed to work in Chinese government public servant roles?

[Angelina]

I think it depends on who you are studying under.
If you find a good Confucian scholar who will agree to be your 导师, you will definitely be guaranteed success, you will learn a lot. Not sure about government positions.

Haven't met any international students with a Master's in Confucian Philosophy.

[Chris Two Times]

I am wondering if this could lead to eventual entry as a doctoral student into a PhD program somewhere and eventually a career in academia.

 

This is an intriguing idea!

 

Warm regards,

Chris Two Times

[LinZhenPu]

Sichuan University delivers both a Master of Chinese Confucianism degree and a Doctor of Chinese Confucianism degree. So I dare say, yes, of course.

How many international students have gone down this path, though? Possibly none.

[Chris Two Times]

I agree, possibly none have gone down this path, which makes it intriguing. Heck, why not be a trailblazer?

 

If one does have a real interest in seriously studying Confucian philosophy on a very high level, then I will be one of the first to encourage that person to go for it.

 

Warm regards,

Chris Two Times

[LinZhenPu]

I just wonder what kind of special eligibility requirements might exist for applying for the Master degree. Age, background, pre-university education, work experience...?

[lips]

Sounds really difficult, even for a native with a Chinese education and degree. Your knowledge of Chinese language, culture, history, literature, etc. has to be better than most natives.

I'm assuming it's a serious degree.

[LinZhenPu]

Sounds like I would need to do at least two if not three degrees before even considering a Master of Chinese Confucianism.

But in the end, the glory... The glory of being the first foreigner to graduate with the degree... might just be worth it and all the motivation I need to truly work hard for the first time in my life, for the next 12 years.

[Guest realmayo]

I would love to be a Master of Confucian Philosophy! Go for it ... at least it's something to aim for and the steps along the way will all be worthwhile.

[Angelina]

It is less about the glory and more about humanism.

Make sure your program is teaching that. Make sure your motivation is that. Confucianism is nice.

[LinZhenPu]

'Humanism', sounds like one of the many head-heavy concepts I failed to stomach in high school literature studies. I think I'll pass.

[Angelina]

Humanism is not "head-heavy", it is all about loving other people.

[Guest realmayo]

head-heavy concepts I failed to stomach in high school literature studies

 

Hmm... maybe you should rethink studying Confucius then....

[Angelina]

or rethink what you think humanism is, then study Confucianism

[roddy]

"I've read somewhere that Chinese students who graduate with a Master of Confucian Philosophy are more or less guaranteed a reasonably prestigious role as a public servant and a relatively cushy lifestyle."

I'd be surprised if that's true where'd you read it?

 

There are civil service entry exams you can take (maybe not YOU specifically, i don't know if they let foreigners take them. Probably if they agree to be photographed for the local paper and then quietly go away). 

[Yadang]

I think you're going to need a lot more than the prospect of "glory" to get you through that.

 

Also, if you're not into "head-heavy" things, philosophy isn't a great choice.

[LinZhenPu]

@roddy

This is the article I was thinking of, and I misremembered it quite badly.

http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/china-needs-pilots-180955992/?no-ist

"Just out of university in Fujian, China, Sheldon Yu faced an impossible choice. It was either a master’s degree in Marxist philosophy or a career as a commercial airline pilot. Among the perks of the latter option: unlimited travel, social prestige, smartly tailored uniforms, lots of pretty women, and a lifelong contract with good salary."

 

 

[Cantabile]

Yeah seems like the pilot is the one with the unlimited travel and social prestige lol.

[Guest realmayo]

Maybe study 汉飞子?

[Angelina]

ahahaha this is so funny

maybe 航飞子 can work for you too