A University-Based Construction of Asian Studies in Spain: Structural Analysis and Potential
Raúl Ramírez Ruiz
Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
Li Qiuyang
School of Foreign Studies
1. Introduction
2. The Origins of Asian/Chinese Studies in Spain
Keywords: Spain; Asian Studies; degree programs; social sciences; cultural exchange; education system.
Abstract
Asian Studies in Spain emerged in the late 1970s, driven by China’s reform and opening-up policy and Japan’s growing international influence, gradually evolving into a systematic academic field. This article examines the origins, development, and structural characteristics of Asian Studies in Spain, analyzing its contributions to Spanish cultural diplomacy and educational globalization, particularly in cultivating regional experts on Asia, attracting international students, and promoting Sino-Spanish cultural exchanges. It also explores the institutionalization process of Asian Studies in Spain and the challenges it faces. By comparing degree programs across different periods, the study reveals the evolution of Spain’s Asian Studies within the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree systems, highlighting the regional concentration and disciplinary diversity of its academic offerings.
2. The Origins of Asian/Chinese Studies in Spain
3. Research Methodology and Data Collection for Asian Studies in Spain
4. The Development of Official Degrees in Asian Studies
4.1 Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
4.2 Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
4.3 University of Salamanca (USAL)
4.4 Pompeu Fabra University (UPF)
4.5 University of Granada (UGR)
4.6 The University of Valladolid (UVA)
4.7 The University of Barcelona (UB)
4.8 Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC)
4.9 University of Málaga and University of Seville (UMA and USE)
4.10 Open University of Catalonia (UOC)
4.11 University of Alcalá (UAH)
4.12 Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)
4.13 University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC)
4.14 University of Valencia (UV)
4.15 Other Academic Centers and Research Institutions
5. Structural Characteristics of Official Asian Studies Degrees in Spain
5.1 Undergraduate Programs
5.2 Master’s Degree Programs
5.3 Doctoral Programs
5.4 Language and Translation Specializations
5.5 Non-Degree Programs at Public Universities
5.6 Private Universities
6. Conclusions
References
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Busquets Alemany, A., 2016. Los albores de la sinología occidental: la contribución de Fernández de Navarrete. Revista Estudios, 32: 596-616.
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Li, Q.,2018. Contemporary Spanish Sinology: Research and Development Trends. Chinese Studies. Beijing: Xueyuan Press.
Li, Q., & Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2019. Coming Through the History: The Revival and Challenge of Spanish Sinology. Sinologia Hispanica, China Studies Review, 2: 1-30.
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López Álvarez, J. R.,1978. Los españoles, pioneros en la transmisión del pensamiento chino a Europa (Apuntes para una sinología española). Gades, 1: 37-54.
Martínez Robles, D., 2007. Spanish Participation in the Process of Western Penetration in China: 1840-1870. Barcelona Autonomous University Thesis, 120-124.
Palacios, L. y Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2011. China: Historia, Pensamiento, Arte y Cultura. Córdoba: Almuzara.
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Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2014. An overview of the Spanish Sinology. China Studies Quarterly, 4: 78-99.
Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2016. Current Status and Trends of Spanish “China Studies”2010-2015西班牙“中国学”研究现状与趋势(2010–2015). International Sinology国际汉学, 3: 186-192.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. et al., 2017. Contemporary and Current History of Asia. Madrid: Universitas, 16-17.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. et al., 2023. Asian Studies in Spain: Analysis, Evolution, and Perspectives. Pamplona: Editorial Aranzadi, S.A.U.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. y Ramos Rovi, María J., 2023. El Papel de España en las Relaciones entre Europa, Latinoamérica y China: La Triangulación Imposible. Revista de Estudios Europeos, 82: 121–122.
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Ramírez-Ruiz, R. et al., 2025. Chi, H. y Guo L. tran. Spanish Sinology Studies: Analysis, development and perspective西班牙汉学研究:分析、发展与前景. Sichuan: Sichuan People’s Publishing House y Lamola Press.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. 2025. “Los Estudios Asiáticos En España: Origen, Consolidación y Características Estructurales. Una Herramienta de proyección en el espacio Asia-Pacífico”. Historia Actual Online 3 68: 113-34
References
Álvarez José, R., 2006. “Esbozo de la sinología española”. Encuentros en Catay 21: 1-38.
Busquets Alemany, A., 2016. Los albores de la sinología occidental: la contribución de Fernández de Navarrete. Revista Estudios, 32: 596-616.
Folch, D., 2008. Biography of Fray Martín de Rada, Huarte de San Juan. Geography and History, 15: 33–63.
González de Mendoza, J., 2022. History of the Most Notable Things, Rites and Customs of the Great Kingdom of China. Madrid: José Antonio de Castro Foundation, 620.
Li, Q.,2018. Contemporary Spanish Sinology: Research and Development Trends. Chinese Studies. Beijing: Xueyuan Press.
Li, Q., & Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2019. Coming Through the History: The Revival and Challenge of Spanish Sinology. Sinologia Hispanica, China Studies Review, 2: 1-30.
Li, Q. & Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2021. 汉学家达西安娜 菲萨克及其中国文学译介观研究Taciana Fisac’s Views on Translation and Studies of Contemporary Chinese Literature. Chinese Studies汉学研究. Beijing: Xueyuan Press, 311.
Li, Q., Chen, C. & Fernández Álvarez, Ó., 2022. Localization of Chinese Language Education in Spain: Characteristics, Motivations, and Promotion Strategies西班牙中文教育本土化特点、动因与发展策略. Journal of Applied Linguistics语言文字应用, 2: 19-34.
López Álvarez, J. R.,1978. Los españoles, pioneros en la transmisión del pensamiento chino a Europa (Apuntes para una sinología española). Gades, 1: 37-54.
Martínez Robles, D., 2007. Spanish Participation in the Process of Western Penetration in China: 1840-1870. Barcelona Autonomous University Thesis, 120-124.
Palacios, L. y Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2011. China: Historia, Pensamiento, Arte y Cultura. Córdoba: Almuzara.
Pérez Expósito, F. L.,1993. Aproximación a la visión hispánica de China hasta principios del siglo XVII. Taipei: Kaung Tang International Publication Ltd.
Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2014. An overview of the Spanish Sinology. China Studies Quarterly, 4: 78-99.
Ramírez Ruiz, R., 2016. Current Status and Trends of Spanish “China Studies”2010-2015西班牙“中国学”研究现状与趋势(2010–2015). International Sinology国际汉学, 3: 186-192.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. et al., 2017. Contemporary and Current History of Asia. Madrid: Universitas, 16-17.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. et al., 2023. Asian Studies in Spain: Analysis, Evolution, and Perspectives. Pamplona: Editorial Aranzadi, S.A.U.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. y Ramos Rovi, María J., 2023. El Papel de España en las Relaciones entre Europa, Latinoamérica y China: La Triangulación Imposible. Revista de Estudios Europeos, 82: 121–122.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. y Niu, G., 2023 “Treinta mandarines. Los funcionarios chinos que establecieron el modelo de relación entre China y España”. Historia Actual Online 62: 47-64.
Ramírez-Ruiz, R. et al., 2025. Chi, H. y Guo L. tran. Spanish Sinology Studies: Analysis, development and perspective西班牙汉学研究:分析、发展与前景. Sichuan: Sichuan People’s Publishing House y Lamola Press.
Ramírez Ruiz, R. 2025. “Los Estudios Asiáticos En España: Origen, Consolidación y Características Estructurales. Una Herramienta de proyección en el espacio Asia-Pacífico”. Historia Actual Online 3 68: 113-34
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Zhang, K., 2003. History of Sino-Spanish Relations. Zhengzhou: Elephant Press, 124–129.

