Proposal 6-13

     The University Senate of Michigan Technological University

Proposal 6-13
(Voting Units: Academic)


“Proposal for an Undergraduate Certificate in Chinese Language and Area Study”

 

1.    Introduction

This certificate enables and encourages undergraduates at Michigan Technological University to take courses related to Chinese language and culture. Students will develop linguistic and cultural knowledge of Chinese speaking areas.  The Certificate in Chinese Language and Area Study will provide more options for students in terms of future study and career opportunities. This certificate is sponsored by the Humanities Department.

2.    Rationale

China has become a major player in international finance and politics due to its rapid economic growth. Because of this, the United States Department of State considers Chinese a critical language.  Many universities have also recognized the importance of proficiency in Chinese language for students’ future study and career opportunities. According to a report from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the number of students enrolled in Chinese language courses increased by 195% between 2004 and 2008. 

One of the goals listed in Michigan Tech’s Strategic Plan is “to develop students’ global skills through study of other languages and cultures.” A Chinese Certificate Program will play an integral role in encouraging students to become global leaders.  By taking the required courses, students will learn Chinese standard language (i.e., Mandarin Chinese) culture, and literature and philosophy, which have heavily influenced many East Asian counties.  Upon completing this certificate, students will develop strategies to communicate successfully in Chinese-speaking areas using Mandarin Chinese. 

The Certificate in Chinese Language and Area Study will attract more students to Michigan Tech who wish to study Chinese along with courses in their major.  This certificate program will strengthen the modern language offerings in the Department of Humanities, by adding a non-European language and culture to the current “Certificate in Modern Languages and Area Studies,” as well as enhancing research opportunities for faculty interested in linguistics, global studies and literacy. 

3.    Details of catalog copy:

                      I.        Title of Certificate: Certificate in Modern Language and Area Study: Chinese

                    II.        Catalog Description: The Certificate in Chinese Language and Area Study focuses on developing proficiency in Chinese language and culture. By broadening students' intercultural understanding, it also allows students to further pursue in-depth study in Chinese area studies.

                   III.        List of Courses:

Required Courses

·         Chinese language and culture courses (12 credits)

HU2201 Level I-A Chinese Language and Culture (3 credits, Fall)

HU2202 Level I-B Chinese Language and Culture (3 credits, Spring)

HU3201 Level II-A Chinese Language and Culture (3 credits, Fall)

HU3202 Level II-B Chinese Language and Culture (3 credits, Spring)

 

·         Chinese/East Asian Area Study Courses (6 credits)

 

            HU3204         Level III Topics in Chinese Literature and Culture (3 credits, Fall)

HU3265         Topics in East Asian Cultures (3 credits, Spring)

 

Elective Courses

 

·         Social Sciences (3 credits) **Additional electives may be selected with prior approval of the Chinese Language and Area Study Certificate Advisor

            SS2100          World Peoples & Environments (3 credits, Fall, Spring, Summer)

            SS2700          Introduction to Sociology (3 credits, Fall, Summer)

            SS3300          Environmental Problems (3 credits, Spring, Summer)

            SS3600          American Foreign Policy (3 credits, Fall - Offered alternate years)

            SS3610          International Law (3 credits, Fall - Offered alternate years)

            SS3810          Anthropology of Science (3 credits, On Demand)

            SS3910          Histories and Cultures (3 credits, On Demand)

SS3940          World Affairs (3 credits, On Demand)

 

Total Requirements: Students who qualify for a Certificate in Chinese must complete two years of Chinese language (12 credits) and three area study courses (9 credits), including one course from Social Sciences and two courses from Chinese/East Asian Area Study Courses. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or better in all courses required for the Certificate.

 

4.    New Course Descriptions

Not Applicable

 

5.    Estimated Costs

 

One member of the Department of Humanities faculty, specializing in Chinese language and culture and/or Chinese literature, will be appointed to administer this program. The current Chinese lecturer's position is a base-budgeted position. The Humanities Department expects to hire a replacement, should the current faculty member leave. Additionally, another ESL lecturer is available to teach introductory Chinese language. The Department, therefore, has enough capacity to offer Certificate courses without additional costs at this time. If the program grows, and the Department anticipates that it will, we will need to seek additional funding or resources.

An advisory committee that includes the modern language director (or designee) and a representative from Social Sciences will be charged with evaluating the Certificate Program and recommending changes or improvements. Over time the members of this committee will be adjusted according to the needs of the program.

Michigan Technological University will award the certificate to students who have fulfilled the specific course requirements. The certificate will also be noted on students' transcripts.

6.    Planned implementation date.     Fall 2013

Contact Name: Dr. Hana Kang
hanak@mtu.edu

 

 

Introduced to Senate: 07 November 2012
Approved by Senate: 28 November 2012
Approved by Administration: 05 December 2012