Do you want to take a modern Chinese language class at UW?
All modern Chinese language courses at UW require
add codes. We regret that non-matriculated students (auditors)
will not be admitted into modern Chinese language classes
at the first- through third-year level, with the exception
of Summer courses [see Summer Quarter instructions below].
If you are already enrolled in a Chinese language course at UW, or have already been interviewed and placed in a Chinese language course, you can get an add code directly from an instructor.
If you are not currently enrolled in a Chinese language course at UW, you will need to be placed into an appropriate language class.
Still have questions? See the FAQ below.
Do you want to satisfy the UW foreign language requirement without taking a class?
The department offers a proficiency test every quarter. Passing the proficiency test satisfies the foreign language requirement. It is not necessary to be placed into a language class.
What other courses are available in Chinese besides modern language?
The department also regularly offers courses in Classical Chinese (CHIN 451-453, open to students with advanced ability in the modern language), in the history of Chinese literature (CHIN 461-463), and in Chinese linguistics (CHIN 342/442). All these courses are taught in English and satisfy major and minor requirements in Chinese. See the course catalog for course descriptions and details on prerequisites.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Q: I am currently taking Chinese and am going to study abroad. Can I get an add code now for the course I want to take when I return?
A: No. Because study abroad programs vary in quality, it is not possible to determine in advance which class will be appropriate when you return. Speak to your current instructor about your plans so that a space can be reserved for you. When you return, take the on-line survey in order to be placed into an appropriate class.
2 Q: I just transferred to UW. I took first-year Chinese at another school, and my credits have transferred over. Can I get an add code for second-year Chinese?
A: Not necessarily. Some schools do not cover as much material in first-year Chinese as UW does. You should take the on-line survey in order to be appropriately placed. Depending on the result, you may need to retake some or all of the first-year Chinese sequence here.
3 Q: I went through an interview last year and was placed in a Chinese course. I want to take that course now, but I have lost the piece of paper with my placement result. What should I do?
A: Send an email to wenjuan@u.washington.edu (wenjuan@u.washington.edu).
We probably have a record of your interview result.
You do not need to take the survey again.
4 Q: I went through an interview
last year and was placed in a Chinese course. I want
to take Chinese now, but I probably have forgotten
a great deal since I took the last interview. Should
I take the survey again?
A: No. See the instructor you were originally referred to in your interview. Explain your situation. If warranted, the instructor will recommend a different course for you.
5 Q: I'm not sure what my level is or when I should start taking Chinese. But I think I belong in a spring quarter class. Should I wait until spring registration starts to take the on-line survey?
A: If you would like to take a Chinese course, take the on-line survey as soon as you can, even if you do not expect to take Chinese next quarter. Once you have been placed in a class. you will have more flexibility to arrange your schedule.
6 Q: The on-line survey opened after registration began, and now I have to wait another week before my placement interview. I'm worried that the class will fill up before I am placed.
A: All students who fill out the on-line survey are dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis. No one who filled out the survey after you did will be given an add code before you. However, some seats may be reserved for students who have given given priority by the language program, and these seats may not be available to students currently going through the placement procedure.
7 Q: I have taken first-year Chinese
as a non-UW student in the summer.
Can I continue with second-year Chinese in the Autumn
as a non-matriculated student?
A: No. Unfortunately, current program
policy does not accept non-matriculated students in
regular-year modern language courses.
8 Q: I lost my add code. How do
I get another one?
A: Contact the head instructor for
the course.
9 Q: I have an add code for a course.
How can I change to
another section?
A: Contact the head instructor for
the course.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUMMER QUARTER 2008 Students:
Announcement: The on-line survey for summer Chinese courses will be open in March or April. Chinese 138 is designed for students
who speak and understand Mandarin but cannot read or
write. Chinese 234 is for students who have completed
first-year college level Chinese.
An evaluation interview may be conducted to determine
if your level is appropriate for the course.
1)The first step is to fill out the on-line application
for Summer Quarter and pay the $50 fee:
[$50 fee is non-refundable, and enrollment
in any of our classes is not guaranteed after paying the
$50 fee. Regular UW students have the first priority for
registering for classes. Non-matriculated will
only be considered if space is still available at the end
of the registration period.]
http://summer.washington.edu/summer/
2) You are required to
fill out our on-line Chinese language evaluation questionnaire. It is important
that you fill out the survey as soon as possible, since
the classes fill up very quickly. You will need to
be a registered Summer Quarter student in order to
do this:
http://depts.washington.edu/asianll/course_info/placement.html
After filling out the survey, you may be asked to
participate in an interview with an instructor to determine
your Chinese level. If your Chinese level is appropriate for
one of the available summer courses, you will either
be given an "add code" that you can use to register
for the class, or you will be placed on a waiting list.
3) Once you have an add code, you may register for
the appropriate Chinese language course using the online
registration system as specified by the Summer Quarter.
Please register as soon as possible after receiving
your add code.
