This course systematically integrates Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into reading and writing instruction for foreign language majors. It is designed to strengthen students’ linguistic foundation, enhance their reading and writing proficiency, and deepen their understanding of China’s distinctive discourse system. In doing so, the course equips students to communicate China’s stories effectively in foreign languages, to interpret Chinese practices through Chinese theoretical frameworks, and to grow into high-caliber, internationally oriented professionals with both patriotic commitment and global vision—thus advancing the fundamental mission of fostering virtue through education.
Designed for undergraduate students majoring in Spanish, the course has been offered twice to a total of 200 participants. Through engagement with the course, students have markedly improved their capacity for autonomous learning, while also advancing their intercultural communication, critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and collaborative skills.
The course is supported by the textbook Understanding Contemporary China: Spanish Reading and Writing in Spanish, compiled under the direction of the School of European and Latin American Studies at Shanghai International Studies University. Its main texts are drawn from official Spanish translations of authoritative works. The textbook provides a systematic summary of the core elements of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, structured around the “Ten Clarifications” outlined in the Party’s historic resolution.
In addition to its ten thematic units, the textbook incorporates sections on reading and writing practice, extended reading, advanced thinking exercises, and narrative writing from a Chinese perspective. These components guide students to form an authentic, multidimensional, and comprehensive understanding of contemporary China, laying the foundation for them to “tell China’s stories well.” The course emphasizes the organic integration of knowledge, skills, and values, fostering students’ advanced thinking and their comprehensive ability to address complex issues.
