Economics, Chinese language profs snag Light Center research grants

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Dr. C. James Hueng and Dr. Xiaojun Wang are the recipients of the fourth annual Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies Research grant. Each awardee will receive $3,000 to support a research project and publication.

About the projects

Hueng, a professor of economics, will undertake a project titled "Measuring Real Business Conditions in China." He plans to build a daily business-cycle index for China, with a possible extension to Taiwan. Using the index, he also will revisit Chinese economic issues, including the effects of monetary and fiscal policies on business conditions.

The project will broaden the international aspects of Hueng's research agenda to include Greater China. He plans to build academic connections with Chinese scholars and to showcase Chinese economic studies and research at WMU by submitting articles to China-related economics journals.

Wang, a professor of world languages and literatures who teaches Chinese, will work on a project titled "From a Career Map to Career Chinese—Bridging the Gaps Between Language Learning and Career Development." He plans to integrate language acquisition with career development by surveying current students about their career goals and identifying areas of need.

A major focus of Wang's project will be on developing core vocabulary to use in teaching. His goal is to provide Chinese-language teachers with an updated and expanded list of Chinese vocabulary related to career development. Additionally, Wang plans to develop teaching resources about culture and knowledge in the workplace and about how to balance language teaching with cultural awareness and career development.

Light Center grants

Light Center Research grants are awarded annually and provide support to WMU faculty members for research and creative activities that support the study of Greater China.

For more information, visit the Light Center website.

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