Summer School in Classical Chinese and Classical Japanese/Kanbun
The Summer School in Classical Chinese and Classical Japanese/Kanbun is unique in its kind. Organised in collaboration with Princeton University, it offers two tracks of comprehensive, grammar-focused instruction taught by Faculty members from both Ca' Foscari and Princeton.
The programme is designed especially for students who wish to develop their linguistic expertise for graduate study in any discipline of premodern China or Japan.
Programme information
Students can choose between two tracks: each track offers language classes in addition to a lecture series on topics in premodern Chinese or Japanese culture (history, literature, thought). Both tracks welcome students who are beginners in Classical Chinese or Japanese, as well as those who already have some background foundation.
Program dates: July 7th - August 8th, 2025. The programme runs for 5 weeks for a total of 75 hours (15 ECTS).
Tracks
A total of 50 students will be accepted for the Ca’ Foscari – Princeton Summer School in 2025:
Track A – Classical Chinese
The course provides the fundamentals of classical Chinese grammar through the reading and analysis of passages of pre-modern Chinese historical and literary texts.
- Course instructor: Attilio Andreini
- Maximum enrollment: 25 students
- Expected learning outcomes
- Students understand the basic structures of the classical Chinese language.
- Students know the necessary tools for translation.
- Basic knowledge of the Chinese literary tradition.
- Students are able to identify basic grammatical structures and, accordingly, to translate correctly.
- Students are able to identify the most appropriate tools to translate a particular text.
- Students are able to evaluate different translations for correctness.
Track B - Classical Japanese/Kanbun
The course provides the fundamentals of classical Japanese and kanbun grammar along with readings in the major genres of pre-modern Japanese historical and literary texts.
- Course instructor: Keiko Ono
- Maximum enrollment: 25 students
- Expected learning outcomes
- Students understand the basic structures of classical Japanese.
- Students know the necessary tools for translation.
- Students are able to identify basic grammatical structures and, accordingly, to translate correctly.
- Students are able to identify the most appropriate tools to translate a particular text.
- Students are able to evaluate different translations for correctness.
Programme Directors
- Tiziana Lippiello, Rector at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
- Martin Kern, Professor at Princeton University
Admission requirements
Our admission criteria are designed to identify candidates who exemplify both academic distinction and a profound enthusiasm for the languages and cultures central to our Summer School's mission.
Essential Prerequisite:
The cornerstone of our admission process is a robust foundation in the chosen language of study:
- Track A: A minimum of two years of formal instruction in Modern Chinese
- Track B: A minimum of two years of formal instruction in Modern Japanese
Evaluation Components: Our comprehensive assessment approach comprises two pivotal elements:
Curriculum Vitae (CV): We shall conduct a thorough review of each applicant's academic and professional trajectory, which shall account for up to 40% of the overall evaluation.
Personal Statement: This indispensable document, constituting 60% of the assessment, affords candidates the opportunity to eloquently articulate their motivation, aspirations, and the distinctive perspectives they would bring to the program.
English proficiency: Applicants must have a good working knowledge of English (a solid B2 is expected). Students are not required to produce certification but must be able to easily interact and engage with their peers and instructors.
Applications and fees
Applications for both tracks of the Summer School in Classical Chinese and Classical Japanese must be submitted at the following page.
Deadline: February 28, 2025
Applicants must include the following documents in their application:
- Curriculum Vitae in English;
- Personal Statement;
- Transcript of records
Final admission, fees and payment
Acceptance: Selected students must confirm their place after the communication of the results. Final admission and payment deadline: from 17th to 21st March 2025. Should a student not confirm their place by the specified final admission deadline (March 21st, 2025), students on the waitlist will be contacted.
Tuition: € 1.250 (access to University facilities and services, course materials and issue of final transcript).
Housing (optional): € 700 for double-occupancy or € 1.000 for single-occupancy housing for the entire duration of the course. Please kindly note that a limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Feedback
Student Feedback on the 2024 Summer School in Classical Chinese and Japanese (collected via anonymous surveys)
"The class is great; this is the summer school that I have learnt the most from. We had very intense practice in Classical Japanese, and I can see my own improvement over the time we are learning. It also introduces me a lot of new knowledge about East Asian studies in general. I really like it."
"Loved every minute."
"Things were taught in a well-paced manner. Being exposed to Classical Chinese everyday helped to consolidate the new knowledge."
Contacts
For information please email: sschool-class.ch-jp@unive.it
Tel.: +39 041 234 9566
Last update: 08/05/2025