Chinese studies degree program may soon be offered at CSULB

By Linda Prendez, On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesday, Octber 27, 1998

With the help of a Taiwanese foundation, Cal State Long Beach's Asian and Asian-American studies department may finally be able to establish a bachelor's degree program in Chinese studies.

For nearly five years, the department has been seeking an external grant to hire one more tenure-track, full-time assistant professor. Now it is seeking a new professor.

"We've been looking outside the university because it is the quickest way to get the resources we need," said Casandra Kao, vice chairwoman of the department.

The department offers a master's and bachelor's degree in Asian studies, and a bachelor's degree in Japanese studies. However, students can only concentrate on a few classes in Chinese and Asian-American studies.

The $159,724 faculty development grant from Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation, named after the late president of the Republic of China in Taiwan, will allow the department to hire a full-time, tenure-track professor - a necessity to create a complete curriculum for the major.

Usually, three full-time professors are needed to activate a baccalaureate program. The department has only two professors that teach Chinese studies. Department officials said a baccalaureate program in Chinese studies is in high demand.

"There are more Chinese-speaking people in Southern California and in other major trading posts. Many jobs will require knowledge of the Chinese language and culture," said John Tsuchida, department chairman.

The department is conducting a national search to find a qualified candidate and will make a proposal to the California State University system to create the new program, Tsuchida said. The program may be approved in as little as two years.

The university will not have to pay for the program for its first three years, according to the terms of the grant contract. Once the program is approved and inaugurated, the grant will be disbursed in yearly payments. After the inaugural years, CSULB will have to pick up the tab, Tsuchida said.