Published on 30 August 2009
Classes for children, families, adults and businesses among varied offerings
The Confucius Institute at the University of Minnesota has a number of fall classes for those individuals (and families) interested in learning about Chinese culture and Mandarin Chinese language. Family Chinese, Kung Fu, Beginning Chinese for Adults, Continuing Chinese for Adults, Chinese Rehab, Put Away the Picture Menu!– Understanding China’s Food Culture, and HSK Test Prep are held at the University International Center, 331–17th Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. To register, or for more information visit http://confucius.umn.edu, call 612-625-5080 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Family Chinese
Are you looking for fun family learning opportunities? Explore Chinese language and culture together with your children, ages 6–10. Together you will learn Chinese language through lessons, songs, rhymes, and games that are enjoyed by children in China.
Schedule:
Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
September 29–December 1, 2009
Fees:
US$150 for one parent and one child
US$50 for each additional parent or child
Kung Fu
Kung Fu is a popular term used to describe various forms of Chinese martial arts. The instructor will lead students in traditional martial arts exercises to build skill and endurance.
Note: a University liability waiver will need to be completed and signed on the first day of class.
Schedule:
Mondays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
September 28–November 30, 2009
Fees:
US$150 for each participant
Beginning Chinese for Adults
Interested in learning Chinese, but don’t know where to start? This course offers a basic introduction to speaking, reading and writing in Chinese. Students will learn greetings and introductions as well as basic conversational vocabulary. This course will also introduce students to the history of the Chinese writing system
Schedule
Tuesdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
September 29–December 1, 2009
Fees:
US$200 for each participant
Continuing Chinese for Adults
After pinyin and ni hao, there is a long way to go. This course aims to build upon your preliminary knowledge of Chinese and strengthen your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. This course will also include cultural lessons and conversational topics to help you sound less like a laowai (foreigner).
Schedule:
Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
September 30–December 2, 2009
Fees:
US$200 for each participant
Chinese Rehab
Does your Chinese need to go to rehab? This is an informal conversation group for adults who want to restore their Chinese language skills. If you have lived in China or studied Chinese in the past, this group can help you bring zhongwen back into your life. Refresh your memory and practice having conversations around a topic of your choice with our instructor and others like you.
Attend one or all of the sessions offered! You pay only for the ones you attend.
Schedule
Mondays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
September 28–November 30, 2009
Fees
US$15 for each class attended. This is a drop-in class.
Put Away the Picture Menu! – Understanding China’s Food Culture
Are you a foodie? When you sit down at a Chinese restaurant, do you know what to do? This class will help you read a Chinese menu, follow Chinese culinary customs and introduce China’s regional cuisines. Students will put their skills to the test during the final session, when we meet for a banquet at a Chinese restaurant.
Schedule
Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
September 30–October 21, 2009
Fees
US$100 for each participant
HSK Test Prep
The Confucius Institute is the only institution in Minnesota to offer the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Chinese Proficency Exam. This course will help you prepare to succeed on the next test, offered at the Confucius Institute on Sunday, November 8, 2009.
Schedule:
Tuesdays, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
October 13–November 3, 2009
Fees:
US$60 for each participant
Resources for Business Professionals
China is an immense market for U.S. businesses and an important supplier to U.S. manufacturers and consumers. The key to navigating the complex and often ambiguous business network in China is to not only follow the current business trends, but also develop an understanding of the subtle cultural and language aspects at play in interactions with China.
Have you ever asked yourself the following questions?
Why wasn't my e-mail returned?
Why won't they just say "no"?
Who is really in charge?
What did the interpreter tell them?
Why were they so offended?
These questions (and maybe some you hadn't thought to ask) are the focus of the programming available to business professionals. The Confucius Institute at the University of Minnesota partners with the University of Minnesota China Center to provide culture and language instruction with a business focus to help you, your coworkers, and employees bridge the cultural gap.
Available Programs
Business cultural and Chinese language programs are designed to fit into your work day. They can be run on-site at your business in the morning before the day starts or over the lunch hour.
Basic Chinese cultural training (1.5 hours)
Includes an introduction to the Chinese communication styles, role play, explanation of institutional and individual hierarchy, protocol tips, and an examination of the role of guanxi in the development of networks. US$675
Basic Business Chinese (1.0 hour per day for 15 days over 3 weeks)
An introductory Mandarin course designed to build learning Chinese around vocabulary useful for business interactions. US$1,200
Custom Programming
Custom programs can be designed to more closely fit the needs of your company. Combine advanced cultural training, or language classes with lectures on current economic or business trends. Call 612-625-5080 for pricing.
Category: Confucius
