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Though Spanish, French and German may be standard languages offered at IUP, more than one-fifth of the world's population communicates in Chinese - more than those three languages combined.
In response to that growing trend, beginning the fall 2007 semester, IUP will be offering courses in Chinese to all students.
Until recently, students could only take the language through a tutorial program said Stuart Chandler, a religious studies professor who will be teaching the course in the fall.
Chandler, who also acts as chairman of the Asian Studies department, is enthusiastic about the course and the potential it brings to students.
"Chinese is extremely important, especially economically," he said. "[The United States] is so heavily involved with China ... about 250 billion dollars' worth in trade alone."
Kierstin Bolton (freshman, international studies) took the tutorial course because she was interested in Chinese culture and history.
"I have many Taiwanese and Chinese friends that I practice with. It helps a lot," she said. "If you're in business or other majors, there are a lot of successful communities out there who need interpreters. It's a huge plus when you graduate if you've had a few years of Chinese."
Chris Peperato (senior, international business) explained that this was his first year of Chinese.
"I took it because I'm doing business, and China is an expanding market," he said.
The senior has additional plans to spend time in Beijing for a language intensive program. "It's going to be six hours a day, just Mandarin," he said with a laugh.
Chandler said that he plans to visit China this year to help strengthen relations with IUP and the associated exchange programs that are already in place.
The course will be offered in the fall from 10:10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and again and from 11:15 to 12:05 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The two sections are labeled as "Elementary Chinese I," or CHIN 101, which Chandler said will include reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
In addition, there is an intermediate class being offered for those students who took the class this year and wish to continue.
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