The Issue on Freedom of Choice in Chapel Course
Should there be a wider variety of choice in courses that are mandatory for students to graduate?
Reporter Kim Han-deul
sswante88@naver,com
For the freshmen of Busan University of Foreign Studies, in the first semester of 2022, the chapel course continued to be run online. However, from the second semester the chapel course returned to normal offline classes in the school church. BUFSians have been debating whether the chapel course needs to be held offline. While a lot of BUFSians prefer the chapel to be held offline, there is actually a much bigger debate going on regarding mandatory courses in general. Students want more freedom of choice and variety when it comes to credits needed to graduate.
The current chapel starts with the pastor's prayers and an hour of class is then filled with teachings about the bible and singing hymns. On occasion, special lectures held by invited lecturers, as well as other events also take place. At times, it can be fun and feel like a talk concert. However, it seems like not everyone is content with chapel and students are beginning to clearly state their wishes for a new direction.
Choi Gyeong-taek, from the Division of English', said, "Among the many BUFSians, there are people who practice a large number of religions and therefore BUFSians with other religious beliefs might feel uncomfortable. BUFS should offer different courses other than chapel. Effective education keeps students entertained and want to explore more.
For example, giving students a 'freedom credit' for graduation could be considered. This way students could choose a course outside of their major that appeals to them. Getting a 'freedom credit' could also give students a chance to become more knowledgeable and develop ideas about a topic which they had only learned about vaguely before.
The preparation of language aptitude test is also considered as a mandatory course. Opening advanced TOEIC classes for students wanting to achieve higher scores and supporting exam fees for those achieving scores higher than the target set by the BUFS should also be an option. When setting mandatory classes for BUFSians, the priority should always be what BUFSians need and want.
CCC BUFS Christian club is also open. This club offers activities and chapel to BUFSians who have God inside their hearts and that makes it efficient and worthwhile. However, for BUFSians who are atheist, having to sit through sermons and classes is not an efficient use of their time. BUFSians should not be mandatorily taking the chapel course. Therefore, if the majority is questioning this matter, it should be looked into and changed.
Employment Community Courses I and II are opened to junior and senior BUFSians. Employment Community Course I is opened in the second semester for juniors and Employment Community Course II is opened in the first semester of senior year. Courses open to freshmen are College Life and Future Design I and II. Future Design I is run in the first semester and II is run in the second semester. For sophomores, Career Exploration and Route Setting are the courses offered. Career Exploration is held in the first semester and Route Setting is held in the second semester. Creating a four-year curriculum for student's career development has good intentions, however the depth which students are taught seems to be a bit weak. BUFSians are asking for and want something more from BUFS.