DLSU’S China studies program returns

As China’s worldwide stronghold grows, DLSU’s China Studies course is set to make a timely comeback.

In an interview with The LaSallian, International Studies (IS) Department Chair Dr. Julio Teehankee unveils plans for DLSU’s revamped China Studies program.

The new China Studies program will be offering an undergraduate and graduate track. The program boasts a comprehensive, practical approach: a blend of subjects that covers Chinese economics, politics, culture and Mandarin training.

Moreover, the program aims to equip students with necessary knowledge and skills to better relate with Chinese businesses and institutions.

Formally launched in 1984, the previous incarnation of the China Studies program suffered deficits. It saw low research output, a lack of regular faculty and researchers, unsatisfactory enrollment figures and inadequate funding from the University, determined by an  ITEO evaluation conducted in 1990. A combination of these compromising factors eventually forced the program to halt in 2003.

This time Teehankee attests that the outcome will be different, especially given China’s newfound power and DLSU’s student body growth.

He elaborates that the IS programs saw a steady rise in student enrolment, and that the department expects to see the trend continue. The European Studies (AB-ISE) undergraduate program alone averages an intake of 45 students per term.

A key factor, however, is the rekindled interest in China. Prospective students are intrigued by China’s global economic successes and expanding career opportunities, finding it necessary to understand Chinese practices and policies while having a command of Mandarin when working internationally.

“Now is the best time, given the influence of China within the region.” Teehankee says. He adds, “As a country, we should play it smart, and one of the ways to understand the rise of China is to offer a program in which the next generation will [understand] how to deal with China.”

The new China Studies program will grant students a wide range of opportunities, Teehankee believes. When paired alongside DLSU’s commerce subjects through a LIA-COM program, students may excel in political and business opportunities with China. Those who pursue the course alone, he adds, can branch out to the academe or work in international organizations.

Teehankee emphasizes on the course’s multi-disciplinary curriculum and its undergraduate and graduate offerings, noting that this sets it apart from other China Studies programs.

In contrast, the University of the Philippines’ Asian Studies Center only specializes in humanities, while Ateneo de Manila University’s China Studies program is only offered to undergraduates.

So far, the undergraduate program (Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Major in China Studies or AB-ISC) will be offering 18 Mandarin language units, 21 specialization courses in various disciplines, two thesis and one practicum course.

In addition, the graduate program (Master of Arts in Asian Studies, Major in China Studies or MA-ASC) will feature around thirty-six units.

DLSU’s IS department faculty will teach and assume units in the program. The faculty members include Dr. Renato de Castro, Dr. Charmaine Misalucha, Dr. Alfredo Robles, and Dr. Julio Teehankee.  The IS Department, however, hopes to recruit key experts from partner Chinese academic institutions and other linkages as visiting lecturers.

“This is going to be the next big thing for the International Department and for the university,” an enthusiastic Teehankee predicts.

The IS will be accepting applicants for the China Studies program by the beginning of next school year.

Plans for restructuring the IS graduate offerings are also underway. Starting SY 2013-2014, IS graduates will have the option to take the Master of Arts in International Studies – Major in Asian Studies program, which has three tracks of specialization: Chinese studies, Japanese studies, and Southeast Asian studies.