Program Overview

Introduction to the Chinese Language and Culture Program

The Chinese Language and Culture program at Western Washington University is designed to develop advanced proficiency in both Chinese language and culture. The rigorous curriculum focuses on training students in communicative skills and cultural awareness essential for success in career pursuits related to China, Chinese people, and the Chinese language. This program also prepares students to become successful language teachers at the secondary education level.

Program Overview

• The program leads to a BA degree without teacher certification.
• To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete the "Optional Requirements," including the "teacher certification" program offered by the Department of Secondary Education.

Why Consider a Teaching Endorsement in Chinese Language and Culture?

• The department provides students with the skills to learn firsthand about major world societies.
• The department believes that the best way to understand a culture directly is through its language.
• The languages offered in the department are spoken natively by nearly two billion people.
• The multifaceted programs of the department provide an opening to the world through language, literature, culture, and civilization.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements (70 credits)

• Chinese Language and Culture, BA (60 credits, complete all required courses)
• LANG 410 - World Language Instruction: Theory and Method I (5 credits)
• LANG 420 - World Language Instruction: Theory and Method II (5 credits)

Optional Requirements

• A passing score on the World Languages WEST-E test, and proficiency in the designated world language assessed by ACTFL oral and written tests at the Advanced-Low level, are required by the state.
• Complete the professional preparation program in secondary education (58 credits).

Secondary Education Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Program (59 credits)

• SEC 303 - Teaching Adolescents: Development and Identity (4 credits)
• SEC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity (5 credits)
• SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching (2 credits)
• SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education (4 credits)
• SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools (4 credits)
• SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards (4 credits)
• SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning (4 credits)
• SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline (4 credits)
• SEC 433 - Teaching and Learning Laboratory (1 credit)
• SEC 435 - Secondary Practicum I (2 credits)
• SEC 436 - Secondary Practicum II (1 credit)
• IT 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary) (2 credits)
• SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary (18 credits)
• SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs (4 credits)

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Declaration and Advising

• Make an appointment with the language advisor.
• Bring an unofficial WWU transcript, documentation for courses taken at other colleges or universities, and documentation for any study-abroad credits earned.
• Submit a Student Academic Declaration and Change Form.

Grade Requirements

• Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.
• A GPA of 3.00 is required in the language major and a GPA of 3.00 or above is required in endorsement courses.