China Today: Culture, History, & Society
China, the world’s most populous country with 5,000 years of history, has undergone tremendous transformation in the last 30 years. It has become a more open society and its rate of economic growth has been truly dazzling. Meanwhile, it is facing enormous challenges in the areas of politics, society and environment. "What’s going on in China" has become, in the words of one scholar, "the biggest story on the planet at the moment."
The China Today program will provide the students with a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about a rapidly changing and diverse country, where the "old" and the "new" co-exist. In two weeks, we will visit three great and distinctive cities: Beijing, the political and cultural center of the country; Shanghai, one of the most dynamic cities in the world and the host of this year’s World Fair; Shenzhen, a symbol of China’s amazing development and a city near Hong Kong that emerged from nowhere some 30 years ago.
While the focus of the program will be on important current issues such as economic development, the urban and rural divide, the environment and everyday life, students will also be introduced to various aspects of Chinese culture and tradition. The program will include not only visits to world-famous historical sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, but also to the "off-the-beaten-tracks" places such as a school for migrant female workers, an environmentally conscious company specializing in the production of "green" energy, and avant-garde art galleries. Instruction will be provided by both Prof. Weili Ye of UMB and faculty members from various Chinese universities.
No prior knowledge of the Chinese language is required. We encourage participants who have taken a survey course in world history, global human issues, or Asian studies, or those simply with an interest in China to apply. The program is also open to applicants from other universities and colleges, space permitting.
Academic Credit
Participants can earn three credits in the UMass Boston academic program. Students register for HIST 478 or EASIAN 478, combined with a Direct Studies option in either HIST488 or POLSCI 478. In addition, all the students can earn three more credits by taking an independent study course with Professor Weili Ye.
Disclaimer
Please be advised that international programs are subject to change, slight or major, at any time due to circumstances beyond our control; this includes any and all fees, dates, itinerary, and program activities. We will do our best to inform all applicants of any changes in as timely a manner as possible.
