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
2.
Rationale
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