Pitzer in China

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall: Mid Aug-Mid Dec Spring: Mid Feb- Mid June

Description: Beijing, the capital city of China since the Yuan dynasty in the 13th century, is the heart of cultural and political life in China. Among the broad modern avenues and picturesque traditional hutongs, students will find the nations central government departments, leading universities, medical schools, and centers of art and media. Home to more than 15 million people, Beijing provides a rich environment for studies of China past and present

The Host Institution: The program is affiliated with Beijing University, one of the premier institutions of higher education in China, with a student population of more than 30,000.

The Core Course: "Contemporary China" The core course combines lectures, readings, discussions, and the writing assignments of the Fieldbook with the more experiential program components of dorm stays with Chinese roommates, family stays, and study trips. You will also conduct a short research project during the rural stay. Lectures given by scholars and specialists introduce students to a range of topics, which may vary slightly from semester to semester, but generally include history, politics, economics, population, environment and rural China. The course also includes complementary instruction in Chinese calligraphy and tai chi, a simplified Yang style of 24 movements.

Intensive Chinese Language: The program offers elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. The classes emphasize proficiency in speaking and listening, as well as the reading and writing of Chinese characters. You will be asked to sign a Language Pledge to devote them to speaking Chinese with your Chinese tutors, host family, staff and friends in the community.

Elective Courses: Every student on the program will complete a maximum total of 1.5 course credits of electives. The Directed Independent Study Project, Media Studies Project, Art Apprenticeship, are all worth 1.0 course credit. The Traditional Chinese Medicine or Advanced Language Courses are each worth a half course credit.   

Topics may be unlimited as long as they relate to the student's China experience, are educationally viable, and sensitive to the host culture. Optional formats that an elective can take depending on a student's personal interest, subject matter, language proficiency, and the availability of suitable specialty advisors and other resources include:
1)Directed Independent Study Project - Anthropological/Sociological Fieldwork (One course credit)
2)Media Studies Independent Study Project Film/video, photo essay, blog, graphic design, etc. (One course credit)
3)An Art Apprenticeship (One course credit)
4)A Course in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (0.5 course credit)
5)A course in Advanced or Classical Chinese Language Study (One half course credit)

The anthropological/sociological fieldwork and filming project options can be carried out over a wide variety of topics, including, but not limited to environmental studies, politics, public health, migration studies, ethnic studies, international relations, linguistics, anthropology studies, population studies, economics, gender studies, urban studies, religion, media studies, and education. Again, as previously mentioned, topics may be unlimited as long as they relate to the students experience in China.

For students who choose the TCM course and who have sufficient background in biology/neuroscience, there are possibilities for a related laboratory elective in neuroscience. Students interested in a neuroscience lab project should notify Pitzer at least three months before the start of the program.

The art apprenticeship is possible in calligraphy, painting, Tai Chi, and music.

All electives other than the TCM and Advanced Chinese courses will require a final written report with a significant analytical component as well as other appropriate documentation of learning depending on the students topic. The program strongly recommends that students select a project that involves field research, oral interviews, participant observation and other techniques that facilitate cultural immersion over those involving primarily library research. Topic selection may be limited due to available resources and local conditions.

Study Trips: To deepen your understanding of topics covered in the core course, you will travel to various locations in China. Destinations may change from semester to semester.

Accommodations: During most of the semester you will live in dorms on campus with Chinese roommates. Chinese roommates are an important part of the programs efforts to help you participate more fully in university life and the surrounding community. They provide a window into the culture, a chance to practice your spoken Chinese in real life settings, and an opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with a university student your own age. Most students report that living and interacting with roommates provides some of the most meaningful learning experiences of the program. The program also attempts to deepen your culture and language learning through a 2-3 day rural homestay and other immersion activities in Beijing. Accommodations during the programs overnight study trips will be arranged in local hotels and guest houses.

Highlights: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Media Studies, Study Trips, Living with Chinese Roomates.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 25,385.00

Experience Required: yes

Area studies coursework is required. Previous Chinese language study highly recommended. Open to University/College sophomores, juniors and first semester seniors.

This Program is open to American Participants.

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Small language classes (4-5 students).

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application