Beginning this semester, Iowa State is offering a minor in Chinese studies.

Its introduction to the ISU curriculum comes after approval from the Board of Regents. It is the first stand-alone Chinese studies minor in Iowa.

“You need to fulfill your international requirements anyway. Get a minor, too,” said Aili Mu, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures.

The minor will focus on the integration of Chinese language and cultural studies. A variety of new classes in several departments will be created.

“This minor pulls all resources from campus,” Aili said.

The creation of a Chinese studies minor was a university-wide effort.

The structure of the minor closely resembles that of other core undergraduate programs, with a strong language component and a range of other courses.

Professors in history, political science, anthropology and the College of Design came together to produce a curriculum of Chinese language and culture.

“Iowa State University has been a Eurocentric learning institution in its international programs,” said Shu-Min Huang, professor and head of the anthropology department.

The courses will also build on the curriculum of the international studies major, which has an Asian studies option. Some of the courses designed for the Chinese studies minor will apply to minors in Asian studies and Asian-American studies, which are in the planning stages.

Before students can enter the program, they must complete the elementary Mandarin Chinese courses.

Students with a background in Chinese may choose to test out of both of the 100- and 200-level language classes. The Chinese test-out works the same as with other languages.

“Make use of your background. Take the test-out,” Aili said.

She said there are benefits for students without backgrounds in the language and culture as well.

“They trade with Iowa,” Aili said. “Iowa is an agricultural state and China is a predominately agricultural economy. Exchange could be beneficial.”

The minor itself requires 13 language credits and nine credits in cultural studies. In total, 22 semester credits are needed.

The classes focus on modern China, emphasizing intercultural exchange.

“We will have to interact with this Asian giant for many years to come,” said Shu-Min, who has been a vocal advocate of diversifying the foreign languages and literatures department. “This minor will give our students adequate and comprehensive background to cross this cultural hurdle.”

Eight to 10 students were estimated to register for the program starting this fall, according to an estimate in the proposal for the program.

By the 2006-2007 school year, between 16 and 18 students are expected.

“I anticipate interest and enthusiasm. Really tremendous,” Aili said.

In comparison to other Peer Eleven Institutions, Iowa State still comes up short, according to the proposal.

Six of the schools offer three or more non-European languages, whereas the addition of the Chinese Studies minor will only bring Iowa State to two.

“In comparison with other major universities, Iowa State is still awfully inadequate in its international programs,” Shu-Min said.

“We still have a lot of catch-up to do. It is important that our educational institutions prepare our students to become effective global citizens.”