China
Shanghai & Beijing

May 20 - June 16, 2013  

Students interested in this program may qualify
for the federally funded Gilman Scholarship. 
Click here for details.

Total Program Fee: $5699   

Academics and Courses   Application, Cost and Important Details

Program Location:

China is the largest developing country in the world. As China becomes a stronger global and economic force, it is vital that relations between the U.S. and China continue to grow. You will experience globalization in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. The TnCIS China 2013 program will engage students more deeply in their learning and will contribute to intellectual, professional, and personal growth in unique ways. New this year is a media production program that features opportunities for students to work in China as media professionals on projects for Chinese clients. The program will primarily take place at Lida Polytechnic Institute located in Shanghai, China. The 2013 experience will also include excursions to Beijing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.

Program Description:

This program will provide the foundation to understanding the people, history, culture and government of a civilization more than 5,000 years old. Students will observe China’s attempts to balance economic and political development with ancient customs, rituals, and beliefs. Students will be partnered with Lida Polytechnic students to participate in various academic and cultural activities. All students will receive language training in Mandarin in the first week of the in-country experience. Students have the option of studying music, literature, architectural design, photography, video production or web design. Media students will be working in media diverse groups on projects for Chinese businesses and non-profits under the mentorship of faculty and Chinese partners.

Please note: Prospective students should be aware that study abroad programs require a great deal of walking. You should be prepared to walk at least a mile or two each day. You may also walk over uneven, possibly slippery or rocky terrain even in cities. The air quality in China may be a challenge for individuals sensitive to industrial pollution and dust. Lida Polytechnic Institute is a smoke-free environment.

Excursions: In Beijing, students will visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Olympic Village. During their stay in Shanghai there will be local excursions to various parts of the city with overnight experiences to Hangzhou and Suzhou. Individual instructors will arrange local excursions related to their classes.

Classes: Classes will be held three hours per day during the week.

Accommodations: Students will be staying in student housing at Lida Polytechnic Institute. Three meals per day will be provided in the campus cafeteria on non excursion days. Anticipate 10-12 excursion days where you will pay for your lunch or dinner. An estimated budget for each of these meals is $10.00 US per meal. 

Academics:

All TnCIS programs are academic in nature and course work that takes advantage of the program location will be the central focus. TnCIS program courses are for credit only. In China, students will enroll in ONE of the following courses:

ARCHITECTURE: Architectural Design (Prerequisites-ARCH 1124 Architectural Drawing or permission of program coordinator)
The study of architectural design is recommended to the technicians to encourage the understanding of the art of architecture, the elements of form and space, and the ordering of our built environment.  The architectural engineering technician needs the vocabulary of design in order to understand and transmit graphical information and instruction from the architect or engineer to the drawings.  The city of Shanghai, Beijing, and its surrounding areas will provide students a comparative review of American and Chinese architecture and building techniques.  Buildings in Shanghai and Beijing represent the latest in technological engineering and architectural design.  Students will learn green building concepts and architectural principles with visits to historic and modern residential and commercial building projects.  See course syllabus

ENGLISH:  World Literature I (Prerequisite:  ENGL 1020)
Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance literature.  In the course taught in China, students will receive a broad foundation in the literary history, dramatic arts, thought, and culture of China from ancient times through the time of the European Renaissance that has contributed to making China the global, economic power it is today.  Students will experience the people, culture, economy, and government of modern China that has evolved from the foundations of thought laid down over thousands of years in the early, medieval, and early modern Chinese literature through the Ming Dynasty.  Students will have an opportunity to visit many significant historical and cultural locations, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Yangtze River delta, and the scenic “Venice” of China, as well as experience the Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, held annually in May, and the Beijing Opera, which has been popular for centuries.  Partnering with students from Lida Polytechnic Institute will afford TnCIS students the opportunity to experience and share the stories and culture of their contemporaries a world away.  See course syllabus

MUSIC:  Music Appreciation (No Prerequisites)
A history of the stylistic periods of Western Music with emphasis on social and cultural implications as related to each period, including an emphasis on developing listening skills which foster an enjoyment and an appreciation for the various styles of music.  Students will broaden their listening skills and understanding of music by developing an appreciation of the rich, traditional music of China that can be dated back to 7000 years ago.  Today, the music of China continues its unique solo instrumental and vocal heritage while embracing more contemporary, Western music.  Students will benefit greatly from experiencing significant cultural venues and events including the Beijing Opera, which has been popular for centuries, and the Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, held annually in May.  In addition, students will have an opportunity to visit historical and cultural landmarks, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Yangtze River delta, and the scenic “Venice” of China.  Partnering with students from Lida Polytechnic Institute will afford TnCIS students the opportunity to experience and share the music of their contemporaries a world away.  See course syllabus
 
PHOTOGRAPHY:  Location Commercial Photography (Prerequisite: PHO 1890 - Entry level coursework in photography may be used instead with permission of instructor)
Advanced photographic projects, emphasizing shooting techniques, imaging techniques, aesthetic exploration or academic research. Students will produce real world commercial photographic work for clients in China (NGO's and non-profits) in collaboration with Chinese photo students and in conjunction with other students from other media specialties.  Students will be placed in media production groups based on media specialty (One American student and one Chinese student from each specialty, photography, web design, graphic design and video production).  Each group will work with one client from the Shanghai area to complete a project that will be used by that client in the Chinese market.  The student groups will have both American and Chinese instructors acting as professional mentors and consultants.  The goal of this course is to give students the experience and knowledge needed to work in one of the fastest growing international economies in the world with clients having diverse cultural and professional demands.  See course syllabus

NEXT PAGE