Intermediate Modern Chinese I

Recommended Course Description for High School Registration Guides

CHN 3021 is the first semester of the intermediate sequence in Modern Chinese. This course builds on foundational knowledge to further develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasizing the proper use of grammar patterns, sentence structures, and expressions, the course covers essential topics such as weather, dining, asking for directions, birthday parties, and visiting a doctor. The course prepares students for advanced studies and practical applications of Mandarin.

Student Eligibility

Grades: 11, 12

One of the following:

• Prerequisite: CHN 1012 or equivalent
• Approval: Instructor

Grades: 9, 10

All of the following:

• Prerequisite: CHN 1012 or equivalent
• Class Rank: top 10%
• Approval: Instructor 

Instructor Qualifications

Instructors apply and are selected by faculty in accordance with the UMN 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 the Apply to Teach a Course page for course-specific qualifications and application steps.

Textbooks

CHN 3021 and 3022: Integrated Chinese, Volume 2, Yuehua Liu, et. al., Cheng & Tsui Company, 2017. Simplified Chinese, 4th edition. (Cost is approximately $75 for a paperback at Amazon.com in 2024)

Selections from other textbooks and authentic materials that expand students’ reading abilities will also be used.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of the texts and readings specified or mandated by the University of Minnesota? If not, what are some of the choices?
Chinese teachers offering UMN courses through College in the Schools use the same textbooks as their counterparts teaching on the UMN campus. Teachers have choices in the supplementary materials.

Do teachers have a choice in assignments? Are there required assignments?
Teachers are required to cover the material, but they have flexibility in how they cover it. Individual teachers adjust the syllabus to fit their school’s schedule.

Who creates the exams?
CIS Chinese teachers are given samples of lesson tests, midterms, and final exams for the designated textbook to be used in the course. Sound files of all the texts and homework, created for the learning and reviewing of class materials for each course, are provided to CIS teachers. Professional development workshops are organized to create assessment and learning materials for CIS Chinese courses. Teachers are free to modify homework materials to fit their teaching styles and program needs.

Is there a mentoring system for Chinese teachers new to CIS?
Yes. University of Minnesota’s CIS Chinese Faculty Coordinator (Yao Tu, [email protected]) mentors CIS Chinese teachers. Experienced instructors also help new teachers get accustomed to teaching the University course. Teachers frequently email one another with questions and share materials with the whole group. New teachers also benefit from an orientation that will familiarize them with the support available through CIS, as well as prepare them for administrative tasks such as registering students and posting grades.

High school class schedules vary: can a teacher in the block system teach UMN Chinese?
All courses offered through CIS have the same minimum number of contact hours as the on-campus sections. Teachers wishing to teach a UMN Chinese course on a block schedule should consult with the faculty coordinator (contact information above) to make sure this arrangement will work.

What happens at typical teacher workshops?
Typical activities at CIS workshops include hearing from University faculty and about instructors’ latest developments in research on language instruction; observing Chinese classes taught by UMN instructors and experienced CIS teachers; reviewing and/or developing student assessment materials and tools; sharing instructional materials; discussing particular content, pedagogy, or assessment of the University course; and receiving updates on CIS program policies and practices.

What happens at typical student field days?
Student field days provide an opportunity for CIS students to meet their peers, learn about the Chinese Flagship Program and scholarship opportunities at the UMN, and explore the Twin Cities campus.