Oct. 21, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854;  e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

CHINESE AND KOREAN LANGUAGE COURSES OFFERED TO PUBLIC

BY SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY; HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN ENROLL

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Exchange agreements between Slippery Rock University and Nanjing University in China and Kangweon University in Korea provide exciting learning opportunities for students. Beginning this spring, qualified high school students and community residents will benefit as well.

           SRU is opening up classes in beginning Chinese and in Korean to the public. The department of modern languages and cultures believes China and Korea’s role in the global economy make them important targets of opportunity for students or professionals in international business.

Importance of Far East

           China has the world’s largest population, 1.3 billion people, and one of the largest economies. As a member of the United Nations Security Council, it is also important politically.

           “If we truly want to enable our students and others to live and work successfully in a global society, we need to be able to offer them language training to learn about China and Korea,” SRU’s Dr. George Brown, associate professor of government and public affairs, said. He taught at Nanjing University in 2003.

            Visiting professors from the universities teach the courses. Times:

•          Beginning Chinese and Culture: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning       Jan. 12.

•           Immersion program in Korean: 5 to 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Jan. 13 to Feb. 19.

High school students

           High school students may enroll and receive college credit. Residents may enroll for credit or may audit the course without credit. Classes will be held in the new home for modern languages and cultures, Carruth Rizza Hall.

           For registration or other information, call modern languages and cultures: 724-738-2062.

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