Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Chinese Language Advanced-Level Certificate

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
College of Liberal Arts
  • Program Type: Undergraduate credit certificate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2023
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 20 to 50
  • Study Abroad for an intensive summer or one-semester program in China or Taiwan, approved by the Director of Language Instruction (DLI) of the Chinese program. Recommended programs are CET in Beijing and the International Chinese Language Program (ICLP) in Taiwan because these are two programs that have a direct affiliation with the university and have been approved for UMN direct credit. Other programs could be used if they meet department standards and University criteria. In special cases other language experience in a native-speaking environment could substitute, with approval of the DLI.
  • Degree: Advanced Chinese Certificate
The purpose of the Certificate is to recognize students who have reached an advanced level of proficiency in Modern Standard Chinese (ACTFL Advanced, ILR 2), along with training in literary Chinese and cultural literacy. Designated as a "tier four" language by the Foreign Service Institute, Chinese is acknowledged as one of the most difficult languages to master. Students who receive the certificate will have official recognition of this advanced level of proficiency in Chinese which can facilitate their post-college careers.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Required prerequisites
Prerequisite Courses
In select cases, students with advanced proficiency may be exempt from taking one or many of these courses. Placement is determined by the Director of Chinese Language Instruction.
Take 0 - 6 course(s) totaling 0 - 30 credit(s) from the following:
CHN 1011 - Beginning Modern Chinese I (5.0 cr)
CHN 1012 - Beginning Modern Chinese II (5.0 cr)
or CHN 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Modern Chinese (5.0 cr)
CHN 3021 - Intermediate Modern Chinese I (5.0 cr)
CHN 3022 - Intermediate Modern Chinese II (5.0 cr)
or CHN 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Modern Chinese (5.0 cr)
· CHN 3031 - Advanced Modern Chinese I (4.0 cr)
CHN 3032 - Advanced Modern Chinese II (4.0 cr)
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the liberal education requirements. Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 4 semester(s) of Modern Chinese. with a grade of C-, or better, or S, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department or college.
Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 8 credit(s) from the following:
· CHN 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese I (4.0 cr)
· CHN 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese II (4.0 cr)
Literary Chinese
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling exactly 3 credit(s) from the following:
· CHN 5214 - Classical Chinese Language and Culture (3.0 cr)
· CHN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I (3.0 cr)
or JPN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I (3.0 cr)
or KOR 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I (3.0 cr)
· CHN 5212 - Introductory Classical Chinese II (3.0 cr)
Chinese Culture, History, and Literature
Other courses that introduce students to broad cultures of modern China and its cultures may be accepted with departmental approval. AMES 3920 may count towards the certificate when the topic is related to China.
Take exactly 3 course(s) totaling exactly 9 credit(s) from the following:
· AMES 3336 - Revolution and Modernity in Chinese Literature and Culture [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3337 - Contemporary Chinese Literature and Popular Culture [LITR, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3351 - Martial Arts in Chinese Literature and Film [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3356W - Chinese Film [AH, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3357 - Taiwan Film (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3362 - Women Writers in Chinese History [AH, GP] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5351 - Chinese New Media (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5359 - Early Shanghai Film Culture (3.0 cr)
· AMES 5374 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China [HIS] (3.0 cr)
or HIST 3466 - Religion and Society in Imperial China [HIS] (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China [HIS] (3.0 cr)
· AMES 3377 - A Thousand Years of Buddhism in China: Beliefs, Practices, and Culture (3.0 cr)
or RELS 3377 - A Thousand Years of Buddhism in China: Beliefs, Practices, and Culture (3.0 cr)
Study Abroad
Study Abroad for an intensive summer or one-semester program in mainland China or Taiwan, approved by the Academic Advisor of AMES (Asian and Middle Eastern Studies).
Recommended programs
The following programs are recommended because the university is affiliated with them, and they have been approved for UMN direct credit. Other programs could be used if they meet department standards and University criteria.
CET in Beijing
International Chinese Language Program in Taiwan
Self-assessment
Self-assessment to confirm student commitment and readiness to proceed to ACTFL testing. This will be conducted in two parts: a written self-assessment (in English), followed by an interview (in Chinese) with the DLI and one other member of the Chinese faculty.
Chinese Essay regarding Chinese language study and the student's professional career goals
1,000 computer-generated characters, with revision. Students engage with contemporary issues and their relationship to their profession. Students will be expected to include original sources in their essay, depending on their major and professional field of interest. The essay will be evaluated by one member of the Chinese faculty. Students will be allowed a second submission, if needed.
Achieve Advanced-Low or Higher on the Chinese ACTFL
In order to complete your certificate, you must achieve a rating of Advanced-Low or higher in 3 skills.
Additional Recommended Experiences to Increase Chinese-Language Proficiency
-Tandem Plus -Media Discussion (sponsored by the Chinese Flagship program) -Conversation and Chinese cultural activities -Chinese speaking community service -Chinese student group activities
 
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CHN 1011 - Beginning Modern Chinese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1011/Chn 4001
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Speaking/reading modern standard Chinese through structured practice.
CHN 1012 - Beginning Modern Chinese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1012/Chn 4002
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Speaking/reading modern standard Chinese through structured practice. prereq: 1011 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 1015 - Accelerated Beginning Modern Chinese
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1015/Chn 4005
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Mandarin Chinese. Reading, writing, standard pronunciation. Meets with 4005. prereq: Oral/aural skills or speaker of other Chinese dialect recommended
CHN 3021 - Intermediate Modern Chinese I
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 3021/Chn 4003
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Modern standard Chinese skills developed further through conversations, writing, reading. prereq: 1012 or 1015 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 3022 - Intermediate Modern Chinese II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 3022/Chn 4004
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Modern standard Chinese skills developed further through conversation/reading. prereq: 3021
CHN 3016 - Accelerated Intermediate Modern Chinese
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 1016/Chn 4006
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of CHN 1015. Mandarin Chinese course designed primarily for students with oral/aural skills but with little or no exposure to reading and writing. Also for speakers of other Chinese dialects and others with prior experience. Concentration on reading, writing, and standard pronunciation. Equivalent to two semesters, Chinese 3021-3022. Upon completion, student may enter Advanced Modern Chinese, Chinese 3031. prereq: 1012 or 1015; oral/aural skills or speaker of other Chinese dialect recommended
CHN 3031 - Advanced Modern Chinese I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHN 3031/CHN 4007
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Reading/analysis of 20th-century texts. prereq: 3022 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 3032 - Advanced Modern Chinese II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHN 3032/CHN 4008
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Reading/analysis of 20th-century texts. prereq: 3031 or equiv or instr consent
CHN 4041 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Writings of different styles. Short stories/essays written since 1949 that reflect Chinese society. Internet writing, use of language. Writings reflection of contemporary Chinese society, its culture/philosophies. prereq: 3032 or instr consent
CHN 4042 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Writings of different styles. Short stories/essays written since 1949 that reflect Chinese society. Internet writing, use of language. Writings' reflection of contemporary Chinese society, its culture/philosophies. prereq: 3032 or instr consent
CHN 5214 - Classical Chinese Language and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Classical Chinese, or literary Chinese, was the formal written language in China until the early 20th century, and also, during various periods, in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It is closely related to the modern Chinese language, especially for formal writing, and its literary heritage has laid the cornerstone of Chinese cultural values and worldviews. This class guides the students to comprehend the linguistic and cultural characteristics of classical Chinese, introduces them to key aspects of the tradition, and develops skills for translating classical Chinese into modern Chinese and English texts. The prerequisite is fourth-year Chinese (CHN 4042) or above. Please note that this class is entirely taught in modern Mandarin Chinese, although English study guides will be provided throughout the course.
CHN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 5211/Jpn 5211/Kor 5211
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Reading excerpts from canonical Chinese texts. Transnational nature of Classical Chinese/its importance in study of East Asian cultures. Taught in English. prereq: Two years of an East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) or equivalent or instr consent
JPN 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 5211/Jpn 5211/Kor 5211
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Reading excerpts from canonical Chinese texts. Transnational nature of Classical Chinese/its importance in study of East Asian cultures. Taught in English. prereq: Two years of an East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) or equivalent or instr consent
KOR 5211 - Introductory Classical Chinese I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 5211/Jpn 5211/Kor 5211
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Reading excerpts from canonical Chinese texts. Transnational nature of Classical Chinese/its importance in study of East Asian cultures. Taught in English. prereq: Two years of an East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) or equivalent or instr consent
CHN 5212 - Introductory Classical Chinese II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chn 5212/Jpn 5212/Kor 5212
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Reading excerpts from canonical Chinese texts. Transnational nature of Classical Chinese/its importance in study of East Asian cultures. Taught in English. prereq: 5211 and two years of an East Asian language (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) or its equivalent or instr consent
AMES 3336 - Revolution and Modernity in Chinese Literature and Culture (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduction to modern Chinese literature, visual culture, and critical thought from beginning of 20th century to end of Mao era. Examples of literature/culture, parallel readings of Chinese critical essays. Readings are in English translation.
AMES 3337 - Contemporary Chinese Literature and Popular Culture (LITR, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Contemporary Chinese literature, popular culture. End of Mao era to present. Creative results of China's "opening and reform." Commercialization and globalization of culture. Literature, visual culture, popular music.
AMES 3351 - Martial Arts in Chinese Literature and Film (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Investigation of the martial arts motif in Chinese literature and its cinematic descendants. Class materials include ancient stories about sage kings, assassin-retainers, lady knights-errant; recent blockbusters such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Hero," and "Kung Fu Hustle;" the careers and stardoms of Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie chan; and American animated films featuring martial arts themes, such as "Mulan" and the "Kung Fu Panda" series. While reflecting cultural transformations across history, these examples manifest a consistent poetics of emptiness, due to the genre's thematic preoccupation with resistance and transcendence, as well as its roots in Confucian-Daoist-Buddhist philosophies. In these regards, the martial arts genre, other than being a pop culture phenomenon, offers a meaningful gateway toward rediscovering the Chinese tradition's cosmopolitan potentials.
AMES 3356W - Chinese Film (AH, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Survey of Chinese cinema from China (PRC), Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Emphasizes discussion/comparison of global, social, economic, sexual, gender, psychological, and other themes as represented through film.
AMES 3357 - Taiwan Film
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines the history of Taiwan film from the Japanese colonial period to the early 21st century along with the increased (though still quite limited) availability of pre-1980s films on DVD with English subtitles. We will cover topics such as dialect films; Nationalist propaganda; "healthy realism;" connections with the Hong Kong, Hollywood, and mainland Chinese film industries; the aesthetics of New Taiwan Cinema; the imagination of Taiwan as a postcolonial Southeast Asian rather than East Asian or Chinese polity; and the battle for commercial viability in the global film market. Throughout the course, we will closely analyze cinematic form and narrative structure in addition to broader issues of nation, society, politics, and ecology.
AMES 3362 - Women Writers in Chinese History (AH, GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This class surveys the surprisingly diverse and vibrant tradition of women writers in Chinese cultural history, which during its long imperial period (221 B.C.E.-1911 C.E.) was dominated by a male-centered cultural order. The class situates individual women writers within their specific historical settings and larger cultural backdrops, thus introducing students to literary themes, gender dynamics, and conditions of cultural production in Chinese history. The class also addresses complex shifts in female writing and its social presence across the premodern-modern transition. Taught in English and no prerequisites.
AMES 5351 - Chinese New Media
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores new media and intermediality from specific moments in the history of modern China. The new visuality of the late Qing Dynasty offers examples of how new forms of visual culture became both reflexive and constitutive of modernity. Later, silent cinema of the Republican era both drew upon and defined itself against existing Chinese dramatic forms, particularly opera. In the 1930s, the arrival of sound in cinema provided a space for phonographic modernity to be expressed through film. In the People’s Republic, the productive interplay between traditional art forms and cinema entered a new era, culminating in the cinematic adaptations of the “model plays” of the Cultural Revolution. Finally, recent years have seen the explosive growth of digital cinema, computer animation, internet culture, and gaming communities.
AMES 5359 - Early Shanghai Film Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Shanghai film culture, from earliest extant films of 1920s to end of Republican Era in 1949. Influences on early Chinese film, from traditional Chinese drama to contemporary Hollywood productions. Effects of leftist politics on commercial cinema. Chinese star system, material film culture.
AMES 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3373/Hist 3466/RelS 3373
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Varieties of religious experience in imperial China. Religion as lived practices. Textual traditions. Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, relations among them. Western missionary enterprise in China.
HIST 3466 - Religion and Society in Imperial China (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3373/Hist 3466/RelS 3373
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Varieties of religious experience in imperial China. Religion as lived practices. Textual traditions. Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, relations among them. Western missionary enterprise in China.
RELS 3373 - Religion and Society in Imperial China (HIS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3373/Hist 3466/RelS 3373
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Varieties of religious experience in imperial China. Religion as lived practices. Textual traditions. Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, relations among them. Western missionary enterprise in China.
AMES 3377 - A Thousand Years of Buddhism in China: Beliefs, Practices, and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ALL 3377/RelS 3377
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Buddhism in China, 4th-15th centuries. Introduction of Buddhism to China. Relevance of Buddhist teaching to indigenous thought (e.g., Taoism, Confucianism). Major "schools": Tiantai, Huayan, Chan/Zen, etc.. Cultural activities of monks, nuns, and lay believers.
RELS 3377 - A Thousand Years of Buddhism in China: Beliefs, Practices, and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMES 3377 / RELS 3377
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Buddhism in China, 4th-15th centuries. Introduction of Buddhism to China. Relevance of Buddhist teaching to indigenous thought (e.g., Taoism, Confucianism). Major "schools": Tiantai, Huayan, Chan/Zen, etc.. Cultural activities of monks, nuns, and lay believers.