Faculty of Arts & Humanities

Academic Overview
Chinese Language and Culture Careers
Aims of the Programme
Programme Features
Curriculum
FAQs
Academic Overview

Programme Overview

The Chinese Language and Culture Programme at the British University in Egypt is committed to providing excellence in Chinese language learning opportunities. Our mission is to create and offer an academic programme that enables learners to discover and develop an appreciation for the evolving richness of the Chinese language, heritage and culture.

Chinese Language and Culture Careers

What are the career opportunities available upon graduation?

The Department of Chinese Language and Culture is a highly competent field of study. The Chinese language is growing internationally due to industrial expansion. Graduating from the Department of Chinese Language and Culture qualifies our students to pursue a career in one of the following areas:
• Various administrative roles in different places like the New Administrative Capital and the Suez Gulf.
• Translation and interpreting,
• Media, human resources, sales, marketing, and
• Academia, teaching and research
The Programme puts in mind the demands of the job market to open new vistas and opportunities for the students at various local and international organisations and institutions. 
Aims of the Programme

Aims of the Programme

The general aims of the Chinese Language and Culture Programme are to:
1. Provide students with:
    • the ability to understand and  use the Chinese language, together with the English and Arabic languages, in oral and written communication for different purposes to fill the demands of the job market in Egypt and the MENA region as a result of the growing role
       China is playing worldwide.
    • an intellectually stimulating experience of learning and studying;
    • an ability to develop an understanding of how language is structured and how it has been used to communicate at different levels, in different areas, for different purposes;
    • the ability to appreciate the different aspects of the Chinese culture;
2. Develop a wide range of transferable skills to become lifelong learners;
3. Provide a learning environment that enables students to reach their full potential, personally and academically, so that on graduation they are employable in different career paths requiring competence of the Chinese, English and Arabic languages;
4. Provide a programme that meets the educational requirements of appropriate professional bodies, both nationally and internationally.
Programme Features

What will I study?

What will I study?
Preparatory Year
You will be introduced to the basic Chinese language skills: reading, listening, speaking, pronunciation and research writing. You will also have the opportunity to develop your English and Arabic language skills in addition to study skills required for successful undergraduate study.
Degree Year 1
This year provides the foundation for your study of the Chinese language and translation of different text types. Furthermore, you will reinforce the language skills learnt in Prep Year.
Degree Year 2
You will get a deep perspective and knowledge of Chinese literature and culture through modules such as Journalism, Media, Business and Tourism. In addition, you will further sharpen your skills of conversation and translation.
Degree Year 3
You will get the opportunity through this year to delve deeper in the Chinese literature and culture. You will work on a project in which you will display knowledge and understanding of the principles of the Chinese language, literature and culture.
How will I learn and be assessed?

The Department is characterised by the diversity of the teaching and learning methods used inside and outside the classroom to develop students’ learning and competencies. Our students have access to our well-equipped language labs which facilitate their acquisition and understanding of the Chinese language. The modules students learn focus on guiding them on how to achieve success via creativity and innovation. Our teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, group work, private study, field trips, practical classes, workshops and seminars conducted in the classrooms and the labs to help students gain hands-on experiences by our full-time academic and support staff. Since our learning and teaching strategies promote collaboration and mutual exchange of culture, assessment involves coursework exams, final exams, presentations and seminars.

Curriculum

Curriculum

BA Degree: Chinese Language and Culture

Preparatory Year – Introductory Modules.
Code Title Credit Level Semester
ENGL01 English Language 10 S 1
CHIL01P Arabic Language and Grammar 10 S 1
CHIL02P Introduction to Chinese Culture 10 S 1
CHIL03P Chinese Listening and Speaking (1)
Year-long module continued in semester 2		 10 S 1
CHIL04P Chinese Phonetics and Phonology 20 S 1
CHIL05P Chinese Calligraphy 10 S 1
ENGL02 English Language 10 S 2
CHIL03P Chinese Listening and Speaking (1)
Year-long module continued from semester 1		 20 S 2
CHIL06P Arabic Literature 10 S 2
CHIL07P Introduction to Chinese Grammar 10 S 2
CHIL08P Introduction to Translation ( Chinese-Arabic-Chinese) 10 S 2
CHIL09P Basic Chinese Readings 10 S 2
Level 4: Foundation Modules.
Code Title Credit Level Semester
CHIL01C Basic Translation from English into Chinese and vice versa
Year-long module continued in semester 2		 20 4 1
CHIL02C General Introduction to China 10 4 1
CHIL03C Modern Chinese Grammar (1)
Year-long module continued in semester 2		 20 4 1
CHIL04C Translation into Arabic (1) 10 4 1
CHIL05C Introduction to Chinese Writing 10 4 1
CHIL06C Selected Basic Readings on Chinese Business 10 4 1
CHIL01C Basic Translation from English into Chinese and vice versa
Year-long module continued from semester 1		 20 4 2
CHIL03C Modern Chinese Grammar (1)
Year-long module continued from semester 1		 20 4 2
CHIL07C Journalistic and Media Texts 10 4 2
CHIL08C Translation from Arabic (1) 10 4 2
CHIL09C Essay Writing 10 4 2
CHIL10C Chinese Listening and Speaking (2) 10 4 2
Level 5 Core Modules.
Code Title Credit Level Semester
CHIL01I Modern Chinese Grammar (2) – Year -long module continued in semester 2 20 5 1
CHIL02I Readings of Chinese Cultural Texts 10 5 1
CHIL03I Chinese Listening and Speaking (3) 10 5 1
CHIL04I Modern Chinese Lexicology 10 5 1
CHIL05I Practices of Translation from English into Chinese and vice versa- (Year- long module) Continued in semester 2 Continued in semester 2 20 5 1
Electives
CHIL09I
CHIL10I		 One module is to be chosen from the following:
1.Chinese History
2.Movie & TV Programme Appreciation		 10 5 1
CHIl01I Modern Chinese Grammar (2)- (Year-long module) Continued from semester 1 20 5 2
CHIl05I Practices of Translation from English into Chinese and vice versa-(Year-long module) Continued from semester 1 Continued from semester 1 20 5 2
CHIL06I Chinese Literary Texts 10 5 2
CHIL07I Chinese Business Writing 10 5 2
CHIL08I Classical Chinese 10 5 2
Electives
CHIL11I
CHIL12I		 One module is to be chosen from the following:
1.News Listening in Chinese
2.Selected Intermediate Readings on Chinese Business		 10 5 2
Level 6 Applied Modules
Code Title Credit Level Semester
CHIL01H Chinese for Tourism 10 6 1
CHIL02H Readings on Chinese for International Trade 10 6 1
CHIL03H The Chinese Novel 10 6 1
CHIL04H Comparative Literature 10 6 1
CHIL05H Research Project (1) 10 6 1
CHIL06H Translation into Arabic (2) 10 6 1
CHIL07H Modern Chinese Drama 10 6 2
CHIL08H Modern Chinese Poetry 10 6 2
CHIL09H Chinese Listening and Speaking (4) 10 6 2
CHIL10H Research Project (2) 20 6 2
CHIL11H Translation from Arabic (2) 10 6 2
FAQs
1. Why would I choose the Department of Chinese Language and Culture at the BUE over other institutions?

The current linguistic map of the world languages shows that there is an international demand on learning the Chinese language and culture. The Chinese language -with all its varieties- is considered nowadays the language of cultural and economic ties. It is even spoken as a second language in various countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and even Japan. Learning the Chinese language, you get the opportunity to get acquainted with its aesthetic handwriting, melodic utterances and poetic phrasing. The language is mentally stimulating to enhance your self-expression. Studying at the Department, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at Chinese universities and get immersed in the Chinese culture. Besides, you will learn by native Chinese speakers who will transfer an authentic Chinese learning and teaching experience to you in our language and interpreting labs. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills you will acquire during your undergraduate study will enable you to start a successful career.

2. How many students are admitted each year to the Department of Chinese Language and Culture ?
The number of students accepted depends on the quality of the applicants, but the maximum number of students that can be admitted is 100.
3. Where do I go if I need further help?
The admin office.
4. Where are the offices of my module leaders?

Please check the profile of your module leader, and you will find his/her office number and exact location.

5. How many years does it take to complete any given specialism at the Department?

It takes you 4 years to complete your degree.

6. Can I fail the Preparatory year and still go on to the degree?

No. If you fail the Preparatory year, you must repeat the year. If you fail it a second time, you have to leave the University.

7. Will my degree be accepted inside and outside Egypt?

All degrees at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities are subject to validation by London South Bank University, the BUE’s partner University in the UK.

8. How many modules do I have to study?

Each semester you will study six modules, with a total of 60 credits per semester. Each module is worth either 10 or 20 credits.

9. Can I apply for a Master's degree anywhere if I get my BUE degree?

Definitely. Once the Faculty is fully validated by a UK University, you graduate with two degree certificates -one from the BUE and one from the UK University. The UK certificate is accepted throughout the world.

10. Will I be taught by native staff at the Department of Chinese Language and Culture?

Our staff is highly qualified to transfer an authentic learning experience of the Chinese language and culture. Hence, some recognised native speakers will be teaching you.

11. If I have problems during my studies what help is available to me?

Every student is allocated a personal tutor who they can talk to about any issues. He/she will try to solve any problems that you face in relation to your studies. Moreover, of course you can talk to your module leader(s), and the head of department.

12. Is there a lot of coursework and exams that I have to do?

The number of assessments for 20 and 20 credit modules are in the range of 3 to 4 assessments per module.

13. What kind of job could I get with my degree?

The Department of Chinese Language and Culture is a highly competent field of study. The Chinese language is growing internationally due to industrial expansion. Graduating from the Department of Chinese Language and Culture qualify our students to pursue a career in one of the following areas:
• Academia, teaching and research,
• Media, human resources, sales, marketing,
• Translation and interpreting, and
• Various administrative roles in the New Administrative Capital and the Suez Gulf.

The Programme puts in mind the demands of the job market to open new vistas and opportunities for the students at various local and international organisations and institutions.

14. What types of courses are offered by the Department?

Please check the curriculum in the department’s website.

15. Are the students going to get a validated Degree?

The University offers the students the opportunity of having two certificates- one from BUE validated by the Egyptian Supreme Council, and the second is from London South Bank University.

16. What is the Impaired Performance, and when should I use it?

The Impaired Performance form is very important in emergency situations. Students should fill the Impaired Performance form if they can’t fulfill any assessment requirement (e.g., missing an exam or a deadline to submit a project) because of any emergency circumstances (such as being sick, having an accident, etc.) Then, a committee will meet to discuss the IP and relevant documents submitted by the student. If the IP is accepted the student will take the assessment in the summer as the first attempt.

17. Are there available scholarships for undergraduate students, and what are the required scores to obtain these scholarships?

Students are advised to contact the Student Admission Office to get information about possible scholarships.

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