Program Description

Program Description

1. Objectives

This program is to cultivate students with interdisciplinary background, versatile talents and global vision who are supposed to master the languages of the target countries, and specialize in such fields as civil aviation, history, culture, law science, and safety regulations of the region. The students will be trained to familiarize themselves with research methods, foster human consciousness and intercultural communication skills, and develop acute powers of observation of and rapid reaction to local, national and international situations. They will be able to conduct research and write research papers and consultation reports independently upon completing the program.

Taking advantage of the disciplinary supremacy of the University in civil aviation, this program prioritizes the study of the historical development, national conditions, cultural features, and economic situations of the countries in the Balkans. Candidates shall equip themselves with sufficient knowledge of foreign languages and literature as well as expertise in other aspects. Students are encouraged to conduct research on civil aviation translation, literature and culture, focus their attention on practical problems, and broaden their vision to carry out interdisciplinary studies. They are required to sharpen their awareness of the cultural characteristics of the target countries, acquire the ability to communicate in English and the local languages of the target countries, and acquaint themselves with the development trends in the region. Systematic training will be provided for the candidates to enhance their ability to conduct independent research and serve as a cultural bridge between China and the Balkans.

2. Curriculum and teaching
This program offers 32 post-graduate courses including Introduction to the Cultures of Turkey and Eastern European Countries, Introduction to International and Area Studies, Introduction to Civil Aviation, Balkan History, Introduction to Eastern European Languages, China's Foreign Policy, Politics and Society, World Economy, Elementary Russian, Translation Theory and Practice, International Relations, Linguistics, Research Methods, Advanced Writing, etc. which are all taught by postgraduate tutors. Detailed syllabuses have been drawn up and will be revised in a timely manner accordingly.
Master's courses are divided into groups: compulsory courses [category A] and elective courses (further divided into core courses [category C] and extended courses [category F]). The candidates need to earn 30 credits (minimum) to 34 credits (maximum) for their master's degree, of which 18.5 credits are required for compulsory courses and compulsory sections. All courses (except the compulsory ones) must be completed in the first academic year. The minimum credit requirements of various courses for master candidates are listed in the table below.

The textbook system in this regard will be established and improved in response to the development of the discipline at home and abroad. Bilingual textbooks will be used and updated with the times to broaden students’ global outlook and improve their competence in reading and writing in foreign languages as well as expertise in other fields. Key textbooks of foreign languages and literature disciplines will be employed together with writings in the field of international and area studies, up-to-date journal articles, and policy documents

3. Criteria for awarding MA degrees

In compliance with the Implementation of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Academic Degrees (provisional) and in accordance with the Detailed Rules for Awarding of Degrees of NUAA, a candidate for master’s degree must meet the following requirements:

(1) Passing the course examinations of postgraduate programs;

(2) Completing and obtaining credits stipulated in the postgraduate training program;

(3) Publishing relevant academic papers according to school regulations; and

(4) Passing the oral defense.

According to the General Provisions of NUAA for Full-time Academic Postgraduate Training Program, candidates must acquire the stipulated credits.

In compliance with the Provisions of NUAA for Publishing Academic Papers by Academic Postgraduates, and in light of the nature of this discipline, the following regulations have been formulated for all postgraduates to publish academic papers before applying for the degree.

Candidates for Master's degree in this discipline must meet one of the following requirements when publishing academic papers during their study:

(1) Publishing one academic paper indexed by SCI, EI, and ISTP;

(2) Publishing one academic paper in international journals or CSSCI journals;

(3) Sharing and exchanging one paper at international academic conferences (including graduate student international academic conferences organized by NUAA) and national academic conferences and included in its entirety in the conference proceedings; or

(4) Being awarded for one paper that is accepted by the graduate student academic conference of NUAA and is included in its entirety in the conference proceedings.

4. International exchanges

Candidates, through screening, will be sent to one of the chosen countries to do exchange programs, attend international conferences, expand international horizons, and conduct field research， teach Chinese, carry out cultural and educational exchanges.