ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Chinese Language & Culture Program In Beijing (Summer)

Take a Virtual Tour of the Beijing Program here

All participants will enroll in one of the following course options for a total 8 credit hours:

1. 101 (5 cr) or 102 (5 cr) and Culture Survey (3 cr)

2. 201 (4 cr) and 202 (4 cr)

3. 301/302 (6 cr) and independent study (2 cr)

4. 401/402 (6 cr) and independent study (2 cr)

Chinese Language Courses

Students are taught by experienced US faculty and specially trained Chinese faculty. Class size will be no more than 15 students. Language classes tailored for Business Chinese are also available.

Language classes will meet 4 hrs/day, 5 days/week and will include lectures, drills, group conversation sessions and individual sessions. Students will also meet daily with a Chinese language partner. Weekly activities will include a language practicum (a task-based language activity focused on utilizing language skills in a practical situation), and a language table with faculty, guest speakers and Chinese students.

Survey of Chinese Culture (for 101/102 students)

This course will study the major cultural and traditional elements that have influenced various aspects of Chinese life. Topics include classical Chinese philosophical ideals, religion, women, family, education, Chinese language and symbolic reference, and literature and art. It is taught in English by experienced US and CNU faculty.

A Language Pledge, a key requirement to the success of language learning, will be signed by each participant to promise to speak only Chinese when they are on campus, and while participating in program activities.

SHANGHAI STUDY TOUR

From May 24 - 28, all new students will have an introduction to China by visiting 3 of the most intriguing cities outside of Beijing. Returning students are also welcome to join the study tour.

Shanghai, called "Hu" for short, is a bustling metropolis with a population of more than 13 million and one of the world's largest and most booming urban areas.

Suzhou/Hangzhou is a tourist city full of charm and is included in the common Chinese saying  "Paradise in Heaven, Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth."

Zhouzhuang/Wuzhen is one of the most famous water townships in Southern China. 60 percent of its structures were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911).

MAIN FIELD TRIPS

Xi’an, one of the six ancient capitals, offers cultural relics dated 5000 years ago, including Bronze horses, the antiques of Qin and Tang dynasties, and the world famous Qin Terra Cotta Warriors.

Qufu, hometown of Confucius, is a small, rural town featuring a temple, ancient cemetery, and a Ming-era mansion compound used by descendants of Confucius.

Mount Tai rises 1,545 meters above sea level and has 6,700 steps that lead to a breathtaking view where hills overlap and beautiful waterfalls flow. The Shi Ba Pan, or 18 Curves, is a series of 1,580 steps and looks like a ladder shooting up to the heavens.