I. Program Overview
Foreign Language Education is a new, interdisciplinary track within the English major. Its disciplinary foundation is “Foreign Language Pedagogy,” a secondary discipline under Foreign Languages and Literatures, with related fields including Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Education, and Psychology.
Foreign language education is an integral part of China’s overall education system and its strategy of national rejuvenation through science and education. In the new era, it plays an irreplaceable role in serving national strategy and socioeconomic development, promoting cultural exchange between China and the world, and fostering mutual learning among civilizations. It is essential for China's participation in global governance, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Strengthening foreign language education is crucial for cultivating talent, enhancing international cooperation, boosting cultural soft power, and expanding our citizens’ global perspective. The formal establishment of Foreign Language Pedagogy as a secondary discipline in January 2024 signals significant research achievements and provides a solid foundation for the future development of the field.
The curriculum is structured into two main modules: Major Core Courses and Specialized Track Courses. The core curriculum consists of language skills courses and introductory professional knowledge courses. The skills-based courses are designed to strengthen students’ linguistic foundation, while the introductory 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) provide a panoramic overview of their respective fields. The specialized track courses, comprising required and elective series, offer systematic training through the study of classic texts, foundational theories, research methods, and case studies in foreign language pedagogy, comprehensively developing students' interdisciplinary awareness, critical thinking, cross-cultural competence, and professional potential.
Our pedagogical model features: (1) Integrated language instruction throughout all four years, with the first year focusing on rapid and comprehensive improvement of English proficiency. (2) Specialized knowledge instruction beginning in the second year, where students enter the Foreign Language Education track while continuing to refine their language skills. (3) A focus on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) to foster continuous improvement in language, critical cross-cultural thinking, and problem-solving abilities. All courses are conducted in English, and the graduation thesis is written in English. (4) An emphasis on digital empowerment, utilizing intelligent assessment tools, digital resource libraries, and online platforms to enhance interaction and support practical, industry-relevant learning. Graduates are highly regarded by employers for their outstanding language skills, international perspective, and critical thinking. Career destinations include government, multinational corporations, media, finance, and educational institutions at all levels. Many also pursue advanced degrees at world-class universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Columbia, or at top domestic institutions like Peking University and Tsinghua University.
II. Program Objectives
This program is dedicated to cultivating well-rounded, interdisciplinary “New Liberal Arts” professionals who are equipped to meet the needs of China’s foreign exchanges and socioeconomic development. Graduates will possess a solid command of foreign languages, deep humanistic literacy, an understanding of the principles of foreign language education, familiarity with the teaching process and its influencing factors, and a mastery of foundational research methods in the field. They will have a distinct competitive advantage in English education, consulting, and academic research, and will be well-prepared for advanced studies in disciplines such as English literature, linguistics, translation, political science, economics, sociology, law, and journalism.
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 related to foreign language education and teaching.
● Theoretical and Methodological Foundations: Understand the basic theories, methods, and current developments in foreign language education both domestically and internationally.
● Practical Knowledge: Be familiar with the techniques and processes of foreign language teaching and the various factors that influence it.
● Research and Academic Norms: Grasp the basic research methods and academic norms of the field.
● 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 Pedagogical Skills: Demonstrate strong English proficiency and model effective language use, with excellent skills in instructional design, organization, and classroom management.
● Cross-Cultural and Technological Skills: Possess strong cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to effectively apply educational technology.
● Research and Analytical Skills: Exhibit solid capabilities in educational research and analysis.
● 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: An interdisciplinary fusion of Foreign Languages and Literatures (Primary Discipline), English Language and Literature (Secondary Discipline), and Foreign Language Pedagogy (Secondary Discipline).
● Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts
● Standard Program Length: Four years (Flexible from 3 to 6 years)
● Minor Program: The university offers a major-minor system. Students in this major 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: 2,436
● Total In-Class Credits: 143
● Practical Training Credits: 12
● Total Program Credits: 155
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.
