China

Information Session: Thursday, Nov. 15 at 2:50 in 305 Shillman

Note: Application Deadline has been changed to November 28, 2007

Dates (tentative): around May 7th - end of May/early June, 2008

Group Leader: Prof. Suzanne Ogden (s.ogden@neu.edu)

Course Description:
This course enhances knowledge of China by exposing students directly to China's culture, society, language, and political economy. Its purpose is to increase understanding of how Chinese people in various situations think about issues and life. To this end, students will visit historic and cultural sites, study Chinese language, attend talks about Chinese contemporary society and problems, and engage in sustained dialogue with Chinese students, intellectuals, and residents. The itinerary will probably include Beijing, Shanghai, and a village.

Because this trip will occur just a few months before the Olympics, the focus for the trip while in Beijing will be on how various policies have been affected relating to the Olympics, such as environmental policy and pollution issues, particularly in Beijing; water in North China; human rights policy; sports policy; urban planning; journalism and censorship; etc. We will also be looking at the impact of the state's "harmonious society" policy on poverty alleviation, economic policy, culture, behavior, the environment, and so on.

Cost: Most major costs will be covered by summer tuition. There may be an additional program fee depending on length of stay in-country, airline ticket prices, or other extra expenses. Students will be responsible for meals and spending money. Financial aid is applicable, so contact your financial aid advisor.

Course Credits: IAF U939 Dialogue of Civilizations: Globalization, Humanities, and Cultural Studies (4 SH) and POLU938 International Politics Learning Abroad (4 SH)

Application Process: The program is open to students of any major. Preference will be given to students who have taken a course in Chinese culture, history, and/or language before participating in the Dialogue. Download the Dialogue of Civilizations application, enrollment form, and waiver form. Turn in the completed forms to Cynthia Rapp in the International Affairs Office, 270 Holmes Hall. Students will be interviewed by the faculty leader as part of the application process.

Application Deadline: November 28, 2007

Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.