Internationalization of Humanities Disciplines in Chinese Higher Education: Challenges and Strategies Shaoxue Liu, Jiabin Zhu Graduate School of Education Shanghai Jiao Tong University May 21 2015

Globalization is the context of economic and academic trends that are part of the reality of the 21st century. Internationalization includes the policies and practices undertaken by academic systems and institutions—and even individuals—to cope with the global academic environment. (Altbach, 2007)

Background Globalization has an great impact on Chinese higher education system (Altbach, 2009) Multiple strategies have been used for internationalization Bilingual courses Curriculum internationalization Exchange programs International joint programs Branch campuses There seemed to be a lag for Humanities disciplines compared to the STEM disciplines

Background Challenges in the Internationalization of the Humanities Disciplines Limited bilingual courses (Zhang, Chen, & Sun, 2013) Out-dated English textbooks (Zhuang & Sun, 2004) Limited number of international programs (MoE, 2005) Possible inherent reasons Difficulty to grasp meanings (local history, cultures and thoughts) Preferably be taught in original language (e.g. Ancient Chinese Literature)

Zhang, Chen, & Sun, 2013

Zhang, Chen, & Sun, 2013

Literature Review Challenges in the Internationalization of the Humanities Disciplines Limited bilingual courses (Zhang, Chen, & Sun, 2013) Out-dated English textbooks (Zhuang & Sun, 2004) Limited number of international summer programs (MoE, 2005) Possible inherent reasons Difficulty to grasp meanings (local history, cultures and thoughts) Preferably be taught in original language (e.g. Ancient Chinese Literature) We want to see “What are the demonstrations of internationalization in the Humanities disciplines?” From faculty/adminstratives’ perspectives What are the demonstrations of internationalization in the Humanities disciplines?

Methods Qualitative interviews Semi-structured interview Professors and administrators from Humanities disciplines (Literature, History, Philosophy) Sample interview questions: (Professor) As a professor in Humanities disciplines, how do you perceive your roles in the process of internationalization? (Administrator) Would you please describe the routine work that your college has done as related to internationalization? The interviewees were all Chinese professors

Working Model-“3M Model” Medium Method Mind Adoption of a second-language or a lingua franca Construction of a scholarly network as a platform for information exchange Etc. An understanding and/or an incorporation of multiple research methods An understanding and/or an incorporation varied advanced teaching methods into one’s teaching Openness to diverse perspectives in a global context An awareness of and an appreciation of multiple perspectives Note that I am presenting the findings backwards, I am laying out now the model that we developed after looking at all of the interviews, and then I will present the actual interview data or the quotations

Operationalization of the “3M Model” in the Internationalization of Humanities Disciplines The Dimension of “Mind” The Dimension of “Method” The Dimension of “Medium”

Finding-The Dimension of “Mind” The significance of an open mind: “For the humanities disciplines, we should have a strong tolerance, an open mind, to experience, to observe and accept others, the good stuff. Like what I mentioned about the traffic rules, there are underlying theories, if you think, they are good, then take them, it will be a great complement to us.” –Chen “It (an overseas scholarly visit) definitely had certain influence on me. To some extent, it was an inspiration. I saw how foreign scholars lived their lives, and how they treated others. After I came back to China, I will surely have some change, because you have seen a more respectful, valued life, you will strive for the same direction. Say, you will be more responsible to your work, and be friendlier to students. …Sometimes, you just need a role model, an example, once you saw it, it will inspire you. Overall, the scholarly visit had a very important positive impact on me.” –Chen

Operationalization-The Dimension of “Mind” Openness to diverse perspectives within a global context; An awareness of multiple perspectives from a global context; An appreciation of multiple perspectives from a global context; Other possible changes towards “Internationalization” at the ideological dimension;

Finding-The Dimension of “Method” Being resourceful and informative about different research methods: “In terms of research content, some western research methods are quite innovative. For example, some particular research methods and theories can be stronger than Chinese ones in terms of Literature and Chinese studies. This is because the western culture pays close attention to theoretical development, which brought about diversified methods. Sometimes, it is thought-provoking.” –Chen “We need to introduce many important academic findings, to help us reconstruct the academic system. … The introduction would certainly include some thinking methods, because, there are many theoretical premises behind the results. That is, within these different opinions, there are different perspectives, they embody both the findings and the methods.” –Huang Of course, many of these quotes illustrate more than one dimensions

Operationalization-The Dimension of “Method” To understand different research methodologies that were developed in different historical, cultural and social contexts； To appreciate the usage of different research methods and adopt choice one(s) for one’s own research work; To appreciate varied teaching methods that were used in different historical, cultural and social contexts; To adopt and/or incorporate new and appropriate teaching methods that were developed under different contexts;

Finding-The Dimension of “Medium” To establish different networks at the organizational and individual levels to promote scholarly exchange “To attend conferences, on one hand, it’s like a social, a more, say, establishing academic network; on the other hand, through that (attending a conference), it can help our research, for example, you have accumulated some academic results for a while, you need a way to summarize the results. Then, if you got an opportunity for international communication, it becomes a good channel to put it forward.”—Huang

Operationalization-The Dimension of “Medium” To communicate research findings in English or a choice language; To teach knowledge, skills, etc. in English or a choice language; To introduce/create/adopt English text books or text books in choice language; To participate in other scholarly communications in English or a choice language; To construct different networks (personal and professional connections) to facilitate professional communications;

The Nature of Bi-Directional Communication “In the aspect of internationalization of Humanities disciplines, on one hand, we learn from others; on the other hand, we demonstrate our research findings to others. I think, our institute has shown both directions.” –Deng

Findings Strategies to Promote Internationalization in Humanities Disciplines To promote short-term and long-term overseas scholarly visits To create positions to attract visiting scholars from all over the world To launch short-term exchange programs

Findings Strategies to Promote Internationalization in Humanities Disciplines To promote short-term and long-term overseas scholarly visits Most faculty and staff go abroad. This is the first step, an important step. The scholarly visit consists communications at all levels and aspects, not just in the academic realm. For (scholars in) Humanities disciplines, after living in another country for a certain period of time, you will find a reference system which will be beneficial for conducting research on our own culture. As a result, I suggest faculty and staff go abroad more often. ... Although we now have more scholarly visit opportunities compared with previous years, it’s still not enough. It is better if every faculty can conduct some kind of scholarly visit every few years, maybe not a whole year, just half a year or even three months, it is helpful.

Conclusion Challenges facing the internationalization of Humanities disciplines Functional Model--“3M Model”: different aspects of the internationalization process Strategies to promote the professional development of faculty members along with the 3M Model

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