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Minor Programs & Coursework
We currently offer six minor programs and coursework in three language areas.
Chinese Minor
Did you know that there is no Chinese equivalent to the words "yes" or "hello"? Do you know why you cannot simply translate the word "uncle" into Chinese? Just what were the Chinese "hippies" of the third-century thinking, and how did Liu An manage to get his whole household, including servants, chickens, and dogs, to rise up to heaven with him when he became an immortal? Whether you know nothing about Chinese or are of Chinese heritage, Chinese classes at Sacramento State will help you better understand the Chinese language and culture and your own language and culture, and have fun along the way!
We offer a minor in Chinese, with courses in Mandarin Chinese, Classical Chinese, Chinese civilization, and pre-modern Chinese literature. When you complete your Chinese studies at Sacramento State, you will have a strong foundation in both Traditional and Simplified Chinese characters, an understanding of Classical Chinese from as long as 3,000 years ago, and an appreciation of the beautiful and ever-changing Chinese culture. Study abroad at one of our exchange partners in Taiwan or mainland China.
Chinese Area Faculty
Dr. Curtis D. Smith, Program Area Head & Department Chair
Dr. Xianghua Wu, Part-Time Faculty
German Minor
Knowledge of German provides access to a culture that has been central to history, economy, arts, and sciences for more than a millennium, not just in Europe but in Western civilizations. More Americans claim German ancestry than any other, and German-speaking immigrants and their descendants have had an enduring impact on the history and culture of the United States.
German-speaking countries have some of Europe’s strongest economies and play an increasingly important role in world affairs. Germany is home to numerous international corporations in various industries and is a world leader in green technologies. Speaking and understanding German will deepen your knowledge of the culture and improve your employment opportunities. There are also opportunities to travel to German-speaking countries via study abroad programs offered through International Programs and Global Engagement at Sac State.
German is the language of Goethe, Kafka, the Brothers Grimm, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. German is the perfect language for anyone interested in pursuing a career in music, philosophy, theology, or art – or business, science, and engineering.
The Department of World Languages & Literatures is pleased to offer a minor program and beginning and intermediate courses in German.
German Area Faculty
Program Head, Position vacant, Contact Dr. Curtis Smith for program information
Maria Schroeder, Part-Time Faculty
Italian Minor
The Italian minor program offers students a strong foundation in the Italian language, literature, cinema, and civilization. Students who concentrate on Italian studies may teach in secondary schools, be admitted to graduate school, work in translating and interpreting firms, or work at the national or international level for Italian firms or American firms dealing with Italy. Statistics show that Sacramento State graduates are in graduate programs, are teaching Italian, or are working in international programs, using their preparation from the Italian minor program.
Italian Area Faculty
Program Head, Position vacant, Contact Dr. Curtis Smith for program information
Alba Boyer, Part-Time Faculty
Lorella Silvestri, Part-Time Faculty
Japanese Minor
A working knowledge of Japanese is increasingly becoming an important tool in the world of international business and foreign affairs. Hence, Sacramento State offers a minor program in the Japanese language. Coursework in Japanese may be applied toward other specially designed minors and majors such as Asian Studies, Anthropology, Humanities and Religious Studies, International Business, and International Affairs. Students who minor in Japanese come from various majors, including Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Business, Criminal Justice, Communication, Kinesiology, Graphic Design, Philosophy, History, Art, English, and Asian Studies.
Japanese Area Faculty
Dr. Kazue Masuyama, Program Area Head & Full-Time Faculty
Dr. Kristina Vassil, Full-Time Faculty
Eliot Kelly, Part-Time Faculty
Dr. Catherine Miskow, Part-Time Faculty
Arabic Language Coursework
Currently, we are only offering Arabic 1A & 1B* (elementary Arabic). There is no offering for 2A & 2B.
Introduction to standard Arabic, including Arabic letters and sounds, the essentials of Arabic grammar, and basic instruction in all four language skills: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. In addition to getting a start in modern Arabic, students will also learn about the social aspects of using Arabic.
*Fulfills Sac State Foreign Language Graduation Requirement
CSUS Catalog - Arabic Coursework
Arabic Language Faculty
Dr. Clovis Karam, Part-Time Faculty
Korean Language Coursework
Currently, we are only offering Korean 1A & 1B* (elementary Korean). There is no offering for 2A & 2B.
Develops elementary spoken Korean language, reading and writing in Hangul, and the practical skills required to use the modern language effectively. The relationship between language and culture will also be emphasized. Includes an emphasis on the culture, customs, and traditions of Korea.
*Fulfills Sac State Foreign Language Graduation Requirement
CSUS Catalog - Korean Coursework
Korean Language Faculty
Dr. Heeju Han, Part-Time Faculty
Punjabi Language Coursework
Currently, we are only offering Punjabi 1A & 1B* (elementary Punjabi). There is no offering for 2A & 2B.
Introduction to Punjabi as spoken in India and Pakistan. Instruction will be in all four language skills: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. In addition to getting a start in modern Punjabi, students will also learn about the social aspects of the use of Punjabi.
*Fulfills Sac State Foreign Language Graduation Requirement
CSUS Catalog - Punjabi Coursework
Punjabi Langauge Faculty
Dr. Amrik Singh, Part-Time Faculty