Makerere University introduced a Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies as one of the measures aimed at responding to the increasing national and global demand for personnel with expertise in the Chinese language. This programme was approved by Makerere University and the National Council for Higher Education. It is a three-year degree programme that started 2019/2020 academic year. The programme is housed in the Department of European and Oriental Languages; School of Languages, Literature and Communication in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is taught in both Chinese and English languages. The main objective of the programme is to provide learners with certified proficiency in Mandarin and competence in understanding it’s linguistic, cultural and literacy aspects. In addition to language and intercultural competence, the programme will expose learners to the intricacies of the fastest growing region in the world, and their application to the Ugandan context.
The initial target was to admit 50 students on the day and 50 for the evening programme. We shall sought to admit learners with little or no knowledge of the Chinese Language to this programme and take them through three years of intensive work to acquire knowledge, skills and requisite attitudes regarding Chinese language and Asian studies which they will later apply to the different areas or fields that call for them.
The learners on this course will also be able to study about the Asian region particularly focusing on its history, economy, politics, culture and above all the reasons for its rapid economic development.
It is hoped that a student who pursues this course shall be very knowledgeable both in Chinese language and Asian studies and shall be able to contribute to national and regional development.
The programme objectives/goals;
1.To provide students with a certified proficiency in Mandarin and competence in understanding its linguistic, cultural and literary components that will enhance their regional marketability.
2.To expose the students to the political, socio- cultural and economic dynamics of the Asian societies in the past and in contemporary times as comparisons are made with their Uganda/African counterparts.
3.To develop the learners‘ business, cultural and social skills which will contribute to changing the student outlook towards national, regional and global issues.
4.To enhance international cooperation and trade to the benefit of the two countries/regions.
Knowledge
To impart Linguistic and analytical knowledge so as to create a pool of trained language specialists, with knowledge and expertise in Chinese and develop an understanding, awareness and application of the role of the Chinese Language as a vehicle of development, culture and cooperation.
To expose the learners to the intricacies of the fastest growing region in the world, and its application to the Ugandan context.
Skills
To train experts in Chinese language and Asian studies who can make use of the language and other skills acquired in various professional contexts such as the media, sports, teaching, translation, business, tourism, diplomacy and humanitarian intervention.
Attitude
To nurture in the students an appreciation of the Chinese language, Asian cultures and developmental perspectives for socio cultural understanding and transformation.The learners will also relate their appreciation of the Chinese language and culture as well as the Asian challenges and achievements with their own Ugandan and African contexts at large.
Relevance of the graduates to the job market in Uganda and beyond
The graduates of this programme shall seek opportunity to be employed in the areas below, among others.
The graduates of this programme shall have a firm foundation in language, linguistics, culture and Asian studies among others which will form the basis for their further studies Masters level in any of the above fields and later on PhDs in the same disciplines.
Eligibility
Each applicant should:
EITHER
Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two principal passes at advanced level (UACE) or its equivalent obtained at the same sitting. (For day programme only candidates who sat for A’ Level in 2018, 2017 and 2016 are eligible to apply). For evening, candidates are not restricted on the year of sitting for A Level.
OR
Hold at least a second class/credit (or equivalent classification) diploma or its equivalent from a recognised public or chartered institution. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding institutions and one passport size photograph must be submitted to Office 315 level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.
OR
Be A Graduate from a recognised Public Or Charetered University. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions and one Passport size photograph MUST be submitted to Office 315, Level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.