By Michelle Hines, University Relations
With China fast emerging as a major player in the global market, the Department of German, Russian and Japanese Studies is adding two Chinese language courses.
CHI 101, Elementary Chinese I, will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-5:15 p.m. this fall. The department will offer CHI 102, Elementary Chinese II, in the spring
The Chinese language classes are just one part of a much broader UNCG initiative. Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan recently led a UNCG delegation to China, where they visited top universities to discuss student and faculty exchanges for research and instruction.
Dr. Andreas Lixl, department chairman for German, Russian and Japanese studies, said adding the language classes will have widespread applications across the university curriculum.
“The more students know about the international and geo-political context in which they live, work, and study, the better their competences as citizens and professionals,” Lixl said. “The study of Chinese language and culture is highly advantageous for all those interested in Asian history and culture, diplomatic services, banking, trade, as well as science and technology careers in the global economy. As the program grows in the coming years our course offerings will expand from elementary to intermediate and advanced level proficiencies.”
Dr. Shaozhong Liu, a dean and professor at Guangxi Normal University in China and a doctoral student in UNCG’s School of Education, will teach the new Chinese courses. Liu said adding Chinese – the most widely spoken language on the planet – to UNCG’s curriculum will open up new avenues for communication and cultural exchange.
With the new Chinese classes, UNCG offers instruction in 10 languages. Also available are courses in Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Russian and Japanese.
Students must register for fall classes no later than Aug. 18. For more information on the Chinese courses, visit the Department of German, Russian and Japanese Studies in 337A McIver or call 336-334-5427.
