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News

Chinese major awaits approval

New program would expand on current minor if Texas Higher Education Coordination Board gives approval

by DIANE SANCHEZ
The Daily Cougar

Students studying Chinese at the University may soon have an opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree in the subject, pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The UH System Board of Regents approved a proposal to form a Chinese Studies major in late January. The idea was proposed after students minoring in Chinese organized a petition. 

"As the Chinese economy grows, more students want to enroll," Jing Zhang, assistant professor of Chinese, said. "There is a marketing and student demand here." 

The proposal is expected to receive final state approval for the fall semester. 

As a result, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee has discussed the proposal as being part of a larger plan -- to create an Asian-American Studies program. 

The committee also discussed the possibility of constructing a Confucius Center on campus with finanical help from the Chinese government to create a stronger bond with the country. 

The goal of the proposed degree would be to prepare students for careers in international business. 

"Students would greatly benefit," busines sophomore Maricela Villanueva said. "We pride ourselves on our diversity. A Chinese major would be another plus for UH."

More than 10 students will declare a Chinese Studies major if the plan is approved, Zhang said. Graduate students -- most of them currently studying in China -- have also shown interest in continuing their education at UH if the major is approved, Zhang added. 

Only three faculty members currenlty teach Chinese and more would be needed to cover possible additional courses, Zhang said.

Zhang said a representative from the Chinese Consulate would be the visiting scholar if the proposal is approved. Because the minor is already established, the cost of forming the major would be minimal, she said. 

Classes offered for the major would concentrate on public speaking and oral and written communication, Zhang said.

"We are very excited,"she said. "The sooner, the better." 

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