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Chinese

Chinese

Why study Chinese at Alma

The Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) between China and the US 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 two Chinese courses in the academic year 2008-2009 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 (F) and Chinese 112(W): Primary objective: to enable students to communicate in Chinese in every day 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 will be taught by Dr. Holly Liu, a native of Beijing, who is specialized 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's "green" residence hall, Wright Hall, was completed in January 2005. The modern, 60-bed apartment-style hall features a number of environmentally friendly features, including geothermal heating and cooling, recycled-content ceiling tiles and carpeting, energy-efficient windows, rooftop solar heating panels, energy-efficient showers and washing machines, and a computerized energy monitoring system.

 

Student Profile

Britni Patrick

Britni Patrick
Graduation: 2010
Major: Spanish
Minor: Environmental Studies

Britni Patrick is excited about all the career possibilities using her Spanish major and environmental studies minor.

“The need for Spanish-speaking employees has been rapidly growing,” the North Muskegon junior says. “Plus, with the many transitions our world will be facing regarding energy, oil and the environment; it is probable my environmental studies minor will be helpful.”