This Normal University
This Normal University is one of the five universities with long histories in Shanxi. It is situated in Linfen city, Shanxi Province. This Normal University, originally called Jin Nan Teachers Junior College, was founded in 1958.
In 1962 the system of higher education in Shanxi was changed, and the school was the only junior college left in the whole province. In 1964 it merged with the Shanxi Teachers College (now, Shanxi University), and was upgraded to a four-year-college. In 1984 it was officially renamed, with the approval of the State Education Department, This Normal University. In 1999 Shanxi Government decided to combine the Physical Education College and Shanxi Normal Junior School of Vocational Education into This Normal University
INTRODUCTION TO This Normal University
This Normal University is the most important educational institution in Shanxi Province for training high school teachers. The University is located in the city of Linfen, which lies on the bank of the Fen River in southern Shanxi Province, and close to the famous Ding Village Neolithic excavation site.
This Normal University was established in 1958 as a normal school, then called the Southern Shanxi Normal School (SSNS). Among the first students were model primary school teachers and some high school graduates chosen from every county of the Jinnan Prefecture
In 1964 the school was elevated to the status of a four-year teachers college and the expansion program began. Additional personnel and support services enabled the college to make plans for long-term growth, and in 1984 it became This Normal University.
During the Cultural Revolution, Shanxi Teacher’s University suffered a great deal. Teaching ceased, and for six years there were no students. The university was forced to move from the eastern suburbs to the western part of Linfen. In 1976, after the smashing of the “Gang of Four”, This Normal University began a new era of development and growth.
The academic programs at the University can be divided into eleven departments; Chinese, History, Political Education, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Foreign Language, Physical Education and the Department of Educational Administration.
Also available are non-degree programs, night school and correspondent courses. Enrollment exceeds 12,488 students; 16,215 students in adult education, over 300 postgraduate students, 2,100 faculty members and other staff. There are about 1,000 full-time instructors, 138 full-time professors, 420 associate professors and 392 lecturers. The University cooperates with other universities in China to train for the Ph.D.; at present, six doctorate programs. The University employs 5-9 foreign experts or teachers annually, who teach specialized courses in the Foreign Language Department.
The University covers a land area of fifty acres. The new science building faces south. In addition to the university buildings, there are the experimental middle school and an experimental primary school -kindergarten. New buildings and equipment are being added constantly. The University is currently undergoing an extensive new construction, and renovation and redesign programs.
Over the past 30 years, the University has trained over 10,000 middle school teachers, and other professionals pursuing nonacademic careers.
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