I. Program Overview
Country and Regional Studies is a new, interdisciplinary concentration within the English major, drawing on knowledge from fields such as political science, history, sociology, anthropology, economics, law, geography, and folklore. It is officially recognized as a specialization under English Language and Literature in the Ministry of Education’s national standards and teaching guidelines, as well as in the catalog of graduate programs.
(1) Building on Tradition to Serve National Strategy
Country and Regional Studies holds significant strategic importance for advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, shaping major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, and promoting comprehensive reform and opening up. As China's global influence grows and its enterprises expand worldwide, a deep and comprehensive understanding of the political, historical, economic, and cultural landscapes of various countries and regions has become increasingly critical. This track is closely aligned with China’s strategic needs, providing the intellectual, academic, and human resources required for informed policy analysis.
(2) Innovating to Build a First-Class Undergraduate Program
The School of English and International Studies has been a pioneer in country and regional studies since the 1980s, establishing some of the earliest research centers in China, including those for American, British, Australian, Canadian, and Irish Studies. Many of these centers, now with over 40 years of history, are recognized by the Ministry of Education as national bases or registered centers for area studies. With a deep disciplinary foundation, a rich tradition of research, and extensive experience in talent cultivation—supported by a strong faculty, 35% of whom specialize in this field—we are well-positioned to deliver a premier educational experience.
(3) Curriculum Structure and Requirements
The four-year curriculum for the Country and Regional Studies track comprises four components: general education courses, major core courses, specialized track courses, and practical training (including a graduation thesis). The major core curriculum includes a suite of language skills courses (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation) and seven introductory professional knowledge courses: Introduction to Literature, Introduction to Linguistics, Understanding Contemporary China, Western Civilization and Readings in Classics of Western Thought, Intercultural Communication, Introduction to Digital Humanities, and Introduction to Language Intelligence. The skills courses aim to enhance students’ linguistic foundation, while the introductory courses provide a panoramic overview of their respective fields.
The curriculum is divided into two stages: (1) The early years focus primarily on language acquisition, integrated with foundational knowledge courses. (2) The later years emphasize in-depth knowledge, with students completing required courses for the Country and Regional Studies track while continuing to refine their language proficiency. All courses are conducted in English, and the graduation thesis is written in English.
(4) Minors, Internationalization, and Holistic Development
Students in the Country and Regional Studies track are encouraged to pursue a second degree in fields such as International Economics and Trade, International Relations, International Journalism, or International Law.
The School of English and International Studies is committed to fostering a global perspective. Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or a full year at partner institutions such as Lancaster University, the University of Edinburgh, Columbia University, the University of Toronto, the University of Queensland, and City University of Hong Kong. Credits earned from these programs, as well as from summer schools at universities like the University of Cambridge and the University of California, Berkeley, are transferable.
II. Program Objectives
This program aims to cultivate well-rounded foreign language professionals who are equipped to meet the needs of China's foreign exchanges and socioeconomic development. Graduates will possess a solid command of English, a deep understanding of international affairs, and expertise in cross-cultural communication, enabling them to play a significant role in country and regional studies. They will have a distinct competitive advantage in foreign-related sectors, particularly in international affairs and cultural exchange related to the Belt and Road Initiative, and are also well-prepared for advanced studies in fields such as political science, international relations, economics, finance, sociology, education, law, and journalism.
The Country and Regional Studies concentration promotes problem-oriented research at the national, regional, and global levels, emphasizing the integration of interdisciplinary theories and methods. It is dedicated to cultivating “New Liberal Arts” professionals with strong English proficiency, a thorough familiarity with the history and development of target countries and regions, and a mastery of foundational theories and research methods in political economy, history, culture, international relations, world economy, and global governance. Graduates will have a specialized understanding of English-speaking countries and regions, a high level of political and ideological literacy, a broad global vision, and a sense of patriotism.
III. Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, students will have acquired the following knowledge, skills and qualities:
(1) Student Attributes
● Intellectual and Moral Foundation: Exhibit a well-formed worldview, a positive outlook on life, and strong values, grounded in high moral character.
● Global and National Consciousness: Possess a deep sense of patriotism integrated with a global perspective, and a strong commitment to social responsibility.
● Collaborative and Innovative Spirit: Demonstrate a spirit of cooperation and innovation, approaching challenges with creativity and a collaborative mindset.
● Disciplinary and Humanistic Literacy: Display fundamental literacy in the discipline of English studies, complemented by a broad understanding of the humanities and sciences.
(2) Foundational Knowledge
● Core Disciplinary Knowledge: Master foundational knowledge of the language, culture, and country/regional specifics of English-speaking nations.
● Global Contextual Knowledge: Understand the history, society, politics, economy, culture, and technology of major English-speaking countries.
● National and Cultural Knowledge: Be familiar with Chinese language and culture, and comprehend the current state of contemporary China and global developments.
● Theoretical and Methodological Foundations: Grasp the basic theories, methods, and academic norms of the major.
● Interdisciplinary Grounding: Acquire foundational knowledge in related fields across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
● Digital Proficiency: Master relevant technical skills and demonstrate proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for academic and professional purposes.
(3) Core Competencies
● Advanced Language and Research Skills: Demonstrate strong English proficiency, country and regional research capabilities, competence in English-Chinese translation and interpreting, and effective cross-cultural communication.
● Critical and Lifelong Learning Skills: Exhibit strong critical thinking abilities, a capacity for lifelong learning, and proficiency in applying information technology.
● Practical and Research Competencies: Possess innovative and entrepreneurial skills, practical abilities for real-world application, and foundational research capabilities.
● Bilingual and Multilingual Proficiency: Display strong expressive skills in Chinese and a functional level of proficiency in a second foreign language.
● Digital Storytelling and Global Influence: Utilize digital tools and platforms to present Chinese culture and stories, thereby enhancing international understanding. Innovatively combine modern communication methods, such as social media and digital content creation, with traditional culture to effectively communicate China's voice and increase its global influence.
● Interdisciplinary Synthesis: Deeply integrate knowledge from other relevant fields to become an adaptable, interdisciplinary professional prepared for diverse career paths.
IV. Discipline, Degree, and Length of Study
● Primary Discipline: Foreign Languages and Literatures
● Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts
● Standard Program Length: Four years (Flexible from 3 to 6 years)
● Minor Program: Students may pursue a minor in another discipline concurrently with their major within the designated period of study.
V. Total Credits and Hours
● Total In-Class Hours: 2,432
● Total In-Class Credits: 144
● Practical Training Credits: 12
● Total Program Credits: 156
VI. Honors Degree
To encourage academic excellence and innovation, the university offers an Honors Bachelor’s Degree. The requirements are as follows:
(1) Completion of all required professional and honors courses with a strong academic record in non-major courses.
(2) A cumulative GPA ranking in the top 10% of the major for all eight semesters.
(3) Fulfillment of one of the following conditions:
● Winning a second prize or higher at the national or provincial level in one of three major competitions: the China International “Internet+” College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, the “Creating Youth” National College Student Entrepreneurship Competition, or the “Challenge Cup” College Student Entrepreneurship Plan Competition.
● Winning a first prize or higher in a national or international academic competition.
● Delivering a keynote speech at a national or international academic conference.
● Publishing at least one academic paper as the first author in a scholarly journal.
● Demonstrating other outstanding achievements (e.g., in innovation, entrepreneurship, or social service).
(4) A clean record with no disciplinary violations or academic misconduct during the period of study.
Students who meet these criteria may be awarded an Honors Bachelor’s Degree upon review and approval by both the university’s degree committees and those of the School of English and International Studies at the time of graduation.
