Chinese

Chinese

Why study Chinese at Alma

The Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) between China and the United States promise unprecedented economic corporation of these two powerful countries in the future.

Chinese

The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games shed new light on the developments of Chinese civilization.

At a time of transition, it is essential to understand the differences between Chinese and American cultures as well as the impact of Chinese culture on American society.

In order to meet the challenges of the 21st century, the Department of Modern Languages offers four Chinese courses during the academic year 2010-2011 to meet the increasing needs of Alma students to learn Chinese, a language spoken by 1.2 billion people.

Chinese city

The State's Concert Hall

Courses

Chinese 111, 221 (F) and Chinese 112, 222 (W): Primary objective: to enable students to communicate in Chinese in everyday situations.

Emphasis is placed on all four basic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will not only learn Pinyin, but also Simplified Characters. Secondary objective provides insight through participation in Chinese culture and society.

All courses are taught by Dr. Holly Liu, a native of Beijing, who specializes in German and Chinese languages, literatures and cultures.

There is also a native assistant to teach the labs, host the Chinese Table and other cultural activities. Interested students should register directly or contact Dr. Liu at liu@alma.edu or (989) 463-7237.

 

Alma College boasts a 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, a liberal arts approach to undergraduate education, 33 academic majors, self-designed programs of emphasis, pre-professional programs in law and medicine, and an intensive Spring Term that provides opportunities for innovative courses, travel classes, research and internships.

 

Teaching Assistant Profile

Sarah Schlindwein

Sarah Schlindwein
Departments: German

After graduating from high school in Germany, Sarah Schlindwein spent nine months as a Bible school student in Canada, where she deepened her personal faith and got to know a new cultural setting.

Upon returning to Germany from her time abroad, Schlindwein was unsure which career she should pursue. She decided to complete an internship at her former school.