Bachelor in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages

Dual Degree Collaboration between Lumbini Buddhist University and Beijing Language and Culture University

Objective of the Program:

1. The core objective of the BTCSOL courses of study has been designed with the following learning objectives:
2. To gain a higher and intuitive understanding of the Chinese Language and literature,
3. To understand Second Language Acquisition (SLA),
4. Understand current research development of Chinese Language, Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Translation, and
5. Understand Buddhist history and mindfulness.

Curriculum Summary

This program cultivates talents in Chinese Language, Chinese Language Teaching, Bilingual Teaching, and Translation. It engages students largely in the study of Chinese Language, Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Buddhism, and Nepal-China relations, though it also derives concepts and ideas of intradisciplinary courses from Business and Economics. The Curriculum is divided into two parts according to the collaboration between Lumbini Buddhist University and Beijing Language and Culture University in a 1+2+1 model. The first year (1st and 2nd semester) & fourth year (7th and 8th semester) are in Lumbini Buddhist University and the second year (3rd and 4th semester) & third year (5th and 6th semester) are in Beijing Language and Culture University. The collaborative curriculum inculcates students in various academic activities that include major, professional, and practical experiences taught courses, and a compulsory thesis. On completion of this program, students will be able to use multi-disciplinary approaches with cross-cultural experience and explain the ideas and practices that emerged in this domain.

Course duration and total credit:

Four years(1+2+1),

The duration of the course is four years, comprising four semesters in Lumbini Buddhist University, four semesters in Beijing Language and Culture University, eight semesters in total. Students enrolled in LBU study in the LBU for one academic year (2 consecutive semesters) and complete the courses prescribed by the university, then enter BLCU for the second and third academic years (4 consecutive semesters) and complete the 2-year course prescribed by the BLCU, after completing the prescribed courses, students enter LBU to complete the remaining credits of internship and writing thesis. The minimum credit hours for the course will be 148 including 8 credits for thesis and 4 credits for internship

Eligibility

The minimum requirement to apply for admission in the Program is completion of grade 12 (+2) in any subjects from a recognized high school or higher secondary school or equivalent.

Pedagogical Approach

The BTCSOL follows a methodological approach to the humanities of learning, based on secondary Language learning pedagogy, allowing intellectual knowledge to be questioned, tested, and then incorporated if deemed valid and pragmatic in the unveiling of embodied and engaged knowledge. With an increasing trend of using technology in education, the following pedagogical approaches will be followed in the course of study:

• 1) Inquiry learning: (exploring conceptual and theoretical issues, and critiques of different theories)
• 2) Action-based Learning: (all learning that is orchestrated by some activity on the part of learners)
• 3) Collaborative learning: (participatory learning, knowledge sharing, active interaction, and collaborative practicum)
• 4) Experience-based learning: (learning at museums, art galleries and communities)
• 5) Technology-based learning: (learning trough different learning applications)

Admission Criteria:

Students from any discipline having passed a 10+2/ High School or its equivalent from any recognized university are eligible to apply for admission to this bachelor program. Eligible candidates may apply to LBU by filling out an online application form available online. Admission to the program will take place on a Semester basis. To be eligible for the program, the candidate needs to appear for a written entrance examination followed by an interview. The maximum number of candidates is set to 30 students per class.

Approaches and Strategies to the Courses of Study

The BTCSOL courses of study will use the following approaches and strategies:

1. The Buddhist Philosophy (based on right view, right meditation and right conduct) will be taken into academic discourse and classroom sessions.

2. Both faculty members and students will commit to observe Pañcaśīla (five precepts) every day, and each class will initiate with a mandatory meditation session.

3. Students will study two years (2nd 3rd year) in Beijing Language and Culture University, which strength their Chinese Language and Culture understanding ability.

4. Students will do at least four weeks internship and write a research thesis.

5. China as Nepal’s largest foreign investment partner, big tourist market, big trade partner, this course emphasises understand Chinese thoughts to promote trade, tourism and investment.

6. Buddhism is an icon of Nepal China relation, now there are several cooperation between Nepal and China. In this situation Nepal needs Nepali culture friendly Chinese cooperation. This course will focus on strength NepalChina relation and culture friendly students.

7. The LBU will offer support to encourage the teachers, students and the management team to unfailingly adopt the Buddhist and Nepal-China culture exchange friendly thought in their day-to-day life.

Learning Outcomes and Competencies

Upon completion of the BTCSOL courses of study, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a commanding ability to listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation of Chinese Language.
2. Become a dedicated learner of Buddhist practice of meditation following the ethical values and the Sīlas of the Buddhist teachings,
3. Exhibit an ability to critically, independently and creatively identify problems of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and give a solution according to different theories, and
4. Show an ability to present and discuss their conclusion and the knowledge and arguments behind them in good dialogue with different groups orally and in writing- in national and international contexts.
5. Make a strong foundation in general knowledge, a high scientific spirit, and exemplary humanistic qualities. Students will acquire a broad spectrum of general humanities knowledge, cultivate an international perspective, and develop effective cross-cultural communication skills.
6. Additionally, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of politics, culture, art, natural sciences, international affairs, international organizations, and international rules.