In 2022, the MOE officially recognized Country and Area Studies (CAS) as a new cross-disciplinary subject within the national first-level discipline framework. This decision highlights the growing importance of CAS, which necessitates expertise not only in languages but also in diverse fields such as history, area studies, economics, religious studies, and regional cultures. This interdisciplinary approach is in line with the future direction of the CFLC and reflects the broader trend of internationalization in higher education at UIC.

Diverse Language Offerings at CFLC

The CFLC offers courses in seven languages: French, Spanish, German, Korean, Japanese, Latin and Greek, and plans are underway to introduce Italian and Arabic.  These offerings cater to students interested in foreign languages and aim to promote internationalization through cultural and linguistic proficiency.  Such education is pivotal in preparing students to become global citizens and equipping them with the skills needed to effectively navigate the contemporary world.

Comprehensive CAS Curriculum

Alongside its language programs, the CFLC collaborates with the Research Centre for History and Culture (RCHC) to offer a broad range of culture-specific courses in Japanese, French, German, and Spanish, as well as general education courses in Global History, World Literature, Western Philosophy, Modern European Studies, the History of European Thought and Culture, American Civilizations, and Religion and the Arts in both the West and the East, all of which began in September 2022.  These courses enrich the CAS curriculum, providing a holistic understanding of different regions.

Unique Position of CFLC

Unlike other departments, CFLC focuses on comparative cultural and regional studies, offering a distinct perspective that distinguishes it from other academic units.