Beginning Hmong I [Pilot]

U of M Catalog Description

University Catalog Link

Listening, speaking, reading, writing skills. Emphasizes development of communicative competence.

Class size limit: 22

Sample Syllabus

Other Considerations

HMNG 1011 is taught over an entire high school academic year.

Recommended Course Description for High School Registration Guides

This course will teach students Hmong language, covering all the aspects of linguistic performances: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Using essentially a communicative-interactional teaching methodology, supplemented with appropriate grammatical details, the students will be systematically and incrementally introduced to materials that will enable them to acquire cultural and linguistic literacy about Southeast Asia and the Hmong community in particular. Some of the topics covered include: a brief introduction to the history of Hmong Romanized Popular Alphabet (RPA); alphabets and linguistic specifications; grammar rules, parts of speech, and syntax structures; common classifiers, verbs, nouns, and adjectives; and topics of the self and family.

Student Eligibility

Students enrolling in HMNG 1011 should be in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and have the instructor's recommendation. Qualified 9th graders may enroll with CIS instructor approval.

Instructor Qualifications

Instructors apply and are selected by faculty in accordance with the U of M policy governing Academic Appointments with Teaching Functions. Once approved, an instructor is appointed as a Teaching Specialist 9754 (University Job Title and Code) in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. Instructor qualifications are determined by the sponsoring University department.

Visit Apply to Teach a Course for course-specific qualifications and application steps.

Textbooks

Yuamsij Qhib Lus, Ed.2, by Bee Vang-Moua

Minnesota public schools are responsible for the cost of required textbooks and course materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when a course is being piloted?
A CIS pilot is a U of M Twin Cities course that is in the first years of being taught in high schools through CIS. During the pilot phase, the U of M faculty coordinator and accepted CIS instructors collaborate to ensure the teaching and learning experience is equivalent to an on-campus student experience. CIS works closely with the faculty coordinator, who provides support and professional development to CIS instructors, to determine whether the course will become a sustainable CIS offering.

Are all of the texts and readings specified or mandated by the University of Minnesota?
All texts, readings, and supplemental materials outside of the textbook are specified by the U of M Hmong Language Program. Materials will be provided in Canvas for instructors to access and assign as needed. 

Do instructors have a choice in assignments? Are there required assignments?
While there are required exercises and assignments, there also are opportunities for instructors to assign other activities.

Who creates the exams?
Exams are created by the U of M Hmong Language Program, which is open to instructor suggestions should accommodations or minor edits be needed.

Is there a training and mentoring system for Hmong instructors who are new to CIS?
Yes. Experienced instructors help new instructors become acquainted with CIS. New instructors also benefit from CIS Orientation and new instructor workshops, which focus on course content, University processes, administrative tasks (such as registering students and posting grades), and the support available through CIS. In addition to hands-on training, classroom visits, and support from the Hmong CIS faculty coordinator, instructors frequently share materials and answer each other's questions. 

High school class schedules vary. Can an instructor in the block system teach a U of M CIS course?
All courses offered through CIS have the same minimum number of contact hours as the on-campus sections. Instructors wishing to teach a U of M Hmong course on the block schedule should consult with the faculty coordinator to make sure the arrangement will work.

What typically happens during instructor workshops?
Typical activities include meeting University faculty and learning about their recent research in the discipline; reviewing and developing student assessment tools; sharing instructional materials; discussing content, pedagogy, or assessment of the University course; and receiving updates about CIS program policies and practices.

What typically happens during student field days?
Students visit the U of M Twin Cities campus in order to meet and practice their language skills with both U of M students and CIS students from other schools. This provides the opportunity for additional discussion and learning, as well as a taste of college life.