Summer Travel Program
China Today: Culture, History, & Society
About the Program
China, the world’s most populous country with 5,000 years of history, has undergone tremendous and even explosive 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 the 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 participants an extraordinary opportunity to learn firsthand about a diverse and rapidly changing country, where the "old" and the "new" co-exist. Over three weeks, we will visit three great cities of China: Beijing, the political and cultural center of the country; Shanghai, the economic engine and one of the most dynamic cities in the world at the moment; and Xian, the ancient Chinese capital with layers of dynastic history.
While the focus of the program will be on important current issues such as economic development, the urbanrural divide, the environment, and everyday life, students will also be introduced to various aspects of Chinese history and tradition. The program will include not only visit to world-famous historical sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the terra cotta underground army, but also high tech "economic zones," socially conscious NGOs, and avant-garde art galleries. Instruction will be provided by both UMass Boston and University faculty from various Chinese universities, and additional guest speakers.
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 a particular interest in China to apply. Undergraduate applicants will be given priority, but faculty, graduate students, and staff are also invited to apply.
Participants will spend about one week of academic classes and a required orientation session on the campus of UMass Boston before departing for China.
Academic Credit
Participants can earn up to six undergraduate credits. Students register for HIST 478 or EASIAN 478, combined with a Directed Studies option in either HIST 488 or POLSCI 478. A non-credit option is also available. The program is also open to applicants from other universities and colleges, space permitting.
