The Chinese program in the Department of World Languages and Cultures is staffed by Dr. Cao Zhen. We offer courses in modern Chinese language (putonghua or Mandarin) and Chinese literature and civilization.
Currently, we provide two years of language instruction. Our language courses give top priority to developing oral and aural skills, although learners are taught to read and write Chinese as well. The textbook series used in this program is Integrated Chinese, published by Cheng & Tsui Company in Boston (www.cheng-tsui.com ). We employ the traditional character version of this series, but Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are guided toward acquisition of the simplified characters, especially during their second year.
Dr. Cao places a high premium on being helpful and approachable, striving hard to foster interest in China by developing and maintaining close contact with Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in and outside the classroom; maintaining extensive office hours, where Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ (and anyone simply interested in China) are welcome to drop in and seek help with their studies, get career advice, and talk about anything else on their minds.