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The MPhil in Chinese Studies was an enriching academic journey, defined by diverse and thought-provoking courses that broadened my perspectives and deepened the connections to my own research interests.
The course Asia in Theory stood out for its interdisciplinary nature. With a different instructor each week, I was exposed to a variety of fields beyond my primary discipline. For example, Dr. Xin Fan’s session on emotional history, though not directly related to my research on Sino-Thai surname changing, provided valuable insights into the emotional regimes experienced by Sino-Thais during the 20th century, offering a rich contextual backdrop for my work. Another memorable session was led by Dr. Hajni Elias on art history, where we engaged in a spirited discussion about authentication and provenance in Chinese calligraphy, an art form I personally practice. The range of perspectives and methodologies introduced throughout the course not only helped me situate my research within broader academic frameworks but also allowed me to explore areas I have long been passionate about.
In Anthropology of China, Professor Adam Chau tailored the class to align with students’ individual interests. Since several students, including myself, were researching the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia, he introduced this as a module and incorporated relevant readings that provided important context for our studies. For instance, materials on gendered biopolitics and death rituals of Chinese immigrants in Thailand deepened my understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics within Sino-Thai communities. Professor Chau also encouraged students to leverage their unique strengths, creating a collaborative and interactive environment. Drawing on my linguistics background, I participated in discussions about the intricacies of emic and etic naming conventions and the challenges of translating concepts from specific Chinese dialects. This personalized and inclusive approach made the course directly applicable to my research.
In Cultural History of Late Imperial China, Dr. Noga Ganany introduced us to an array of subjects, including religious literature, ‘strange tales’ (志怪), and daily-use encyclopedias. Her expertise in print culture inspired me to engage with the University Library’s exceptional primary sources, such as the 1489 manuscript of Illustrated Records of Foreign Lands (異域圖志). This work became the foundation for my final essay on the changing representations of Vietnam in Ming-era ethnographies, where I merged my background in Southeast Asian Studies with my interest in folklore and history. The course also encouraged flexibility, enabling us to explore topics aligned with our personal research goals rather than limiting us to predefined content. For the module on the deity Zhenwu, I focused on the Tiger God Shrine in Bangkok, analyzing the conflation of Zhenwu with the Tiger God in Sino-Thai folk religion. My presentation incorporated on-the-ground interviews with worshippers alongside primary sources, such as hagiographies. This freedom to pursue interdisciplinary projects made the course both intellectually stimulating and personally meaningful.
(2023-24 cohort)
Jenkin Leung (April 7, 2025)
My academic journey in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) has been profoundly enriching. The MPhil program has exceptional flexibility in course selection, which enables us students to engage in both related and complementary fields. Also, AMES fosters a rigorously interdisciplinary and globally engaged academic community: The Chinese Studies Path I took, in particular, spans anthropology, literature, cultural studies, linguistics, history, etc. Thus, it encourages students to navigate interdisciplinary intersections and ultimately forge a personalized intellectual path through sustained critical inquiry and theoretical frameworks. Moreover, the department has a vibrant seminar culture as well as robust online and on-campus library resources (e.g., rare primary source materials) that facilitate cutting-edge research.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Heather Inwood, whose mentorship transcended academic boundaries. I could not have navigated the transnational academic journey and personal growth without her scholarly guidance, coupled with her unwavering, empathetic support.
Passion, I contend, constitutes the most authentic and enduring form of scholarly aptitude- and that was the most profound trait AMES has empowered in me.
(2023-24 cohort)
Yushang Ni (April 1, 2025)
The MPhil in Chinese Studies had been extremely rewarding for me. Aside from delving further into my area of research in “Modern Chinese Literature,” I broadened my knowledge and explored previously unfamiliar topics through another paper on “Contemporary Chinese Society” with a focus on Anthropology. The core seminar on “Asia in Theory” offered chances for intensive discussions on a variety of themes ranging from “Adaptation, Intermediality and Transmedia Storytelling” to “Gender, Sexuality, and Performance Theory.” The thoughtfully designed MPhil led to interdisciplinary perspectives and skills that fed into my dissertation, allowing me to expand the latter into a PhD project with the guidance of my supervisor who provided insightful advice and passionate support throughout the course.
I also felt especially fortunate to study at AMES, where numerous members of the faculty have expertise and interests linked to my research. I had countless opportunities to discover intriguing ideas or discuss my work with fellow scholars during research seminars, talks, and other events at the faculty or elsewhere across the university. Outside of academic studies, I thoroughly enjoyed life in Cambridge and had a smooth experience settling down in the city owing to the welcoming atmosphere at my college. As a result of all these positive experiences, I am more than delighted to be able to continue as a PhD student at AMES after the MPhil.
(2022-23 cohort)
Ruo Fan Ping (Aug. 19, 2024)