A look at Sinologists through the centuries

One of Sinologists' greatest achievements was the translation of Chinese classics into their native languages and Latin, so that they could be read widely in the West, Gu discovered in his research.

There were also Sinologists like French Paul Pelliot, who wrote papers on the communication between China and the West.

But most Sinologists' achievements were translating or compiling dictionaries and textbooks for Chinese-language learners, says Gu.

For instance, one of the most important Sinologists in the 19th century, James Legge, translated the Four Books (The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, The Confucian Analects and The Works of Mencius) and the Five Classics (The Book of Songs, The Book of History, The Book of Changes, The Book of Rites and The Spring and Autumn Annals) into English.

His translations are still read.

As China studies have become increasingly specialized, such scholars as American John King Fairbank organized specialists to compile The Cambridge History of China, and British Joseph Needham led the compilation of Science and Civilization in China.

Currently, about 60 Chinese graduate and postgraduate students are studying in the International Institute of Chinese Studies.

The program offers a wide range of China-specific courses, such as Chinese history, literature, economics, law, foreign affairs and politics.

"With these courses, we hope to help them to better understand China with a global vision and interdisciplinary knowledge," Gu says.