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Confucius Institute is offering its first set of courses ( Sept.17,2007)

After officially opening in April, North Carolina State University's Confucius Institute is offering its first set of courses to enhance understanding of Chinese language and culture.

The non-credit courses include a beginning Chinese language course for adults and high school students;  and a 10-week Chinese language and culture course that will introduce students to Chinese history, culture, social structure and customs, as well as brief looks at the economic and political system. Participants will learn basic Chinese expressions and idioms and the basics of Chinese cooking.

Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese health exercise, will be offered at NC State's Court of North Carolina on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Classes will move indoors in case of inclement weather.

"There is a growing interest in China in the United States," said Sarah Cao, deputy director of the institute. "The Confucius Institute courses will give the NC State and Triangle communities a chance to learn about China, learn to speak Chinese, and have fun in the process."

Xu Keqian, a visiting professor from Nanjing Normal University, will be the instructor for the adult language and culture courses.