Placement
Thank you for your interest in studying Chinese through the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. To determine your language proficiency and register for a class that suits your level, please take the online placement test.
Before beginning the test, carefully read the instructions provided on the placement test homepage. Once enrolled in the test, you’ll be guided to choose the appropriate version.
Please note: Placement tests are intended to help you find the course level that matches your current ability. Once you pick a class section for the appropriate level, please email the listed instructor. All Chinese instructors will verify student placement during the first week of classes. If necessary, you may switch levels within the first two weeks after consulting with your instructor.
Who Needs to Take the Placement Test
All students must take the placement test unless they have previously completed Chinese language courses at the University of Minnesota.
Test Preparation
To prepare for the test, we recommend reviewing Integrated Chinese. These textbooks are available at the University Bookstore in Coffman Union.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the Chinese program, please contact the Chinese Director of Language Instruction, Dr. Yufen Chang: [email protected].
| Course | What to Study |
|---|---|
| Chinese 1012 (Beginning Modern Chinese, second semester) | Integrated Chinese, Level 1, Part 1 |
| Chinese 3021 (Intermediate Modern Chinese, first semester) | Integrated Chinese, Level 1, Part 2 |
| Chinese 3022 (Intermediate Modern Chinese, second semester) | Integrated Chinese, Level 2, Lessons 1–10 |
| Chinese 3031 (Third Year Chinese, first semester) | Integrated Chinese, Level 2 |
Proficiency Exams
Upon completion of the intermediate level, students may choose to take the Chinese Language Proficiency Exam (LPE). Completion of the LPE fulfills the CLA Second Language requirement and is noted on students' transcripts. The LPE examines students in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The LPE is administered by the CLA Language Testing Program located in Jones Hall; the oral component is taken within the Chinese program.
Chinese LPEs are offered on fixed dates at the start of fall semester and at the end of spring semester. To register for an LPE, visit the Language Testing Program.