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May in Asia 2008
Exploring Chinese Culture in Beijing
May 19 - June 13

History 363: Contemporary Chinese History, Culture and Society
History 362: The Cultural Development of China

The Program
This annual summer study abroad program is sponsored by Wheaton College. Each year’s program extends for about four weeks after the end of the spring semester in different locations in Asia. Six academic credits are offered in various disciplines such as History, Literature, Bible, Religion and Philosophy. The courses focus on the traditions, thought and contemporary culture of the prime location and the surrounding region. In 2008, the world class city of Beijing, host to the 2008 Olympics, will be the center for field trips, special lectures and excursions.

Location and Itinerary
Beijing is the primary study location. For four weeks we will live and study in comfortable surroundings on the campus of Tsinghua University, a beautiful area rich in history, and will take numerous field trips to augment our reading and classroom study. Guest lecturers and guides, Chinese scholars, excursions and briefings with religious and business groups, and historical sites are also part of our time in the Chinese capital. Sites to be visited include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Ricci Tombs.

This locations will provide outstanding resources and adventurous experiences for our month of exciting study and living in China. We use major trans-Pacific air carriers. Throughout the program our housing facilities are those of Asian guest houses, tourist hotels and schools which are comfortable, well-suited to our purposes, and centrally located.

Academic Program and Courses
Open to all students regardless of major, the courses take an interdisciplinary approach in order to maximize the resources we will find in China. All participants must take History 363 for credit as an overall orientation to the program’s content. Students may register for the other course to a maximum of six (6) semester hours. The courses include:

History 363: Contemporary Chinese History, Culture and Society. This course will provide historical insight into China’s contemporary culture and social issues by studying its modern history, geography, economics and politics, social system, and philosophy/religion. Examining a broad range of topics from an historical and interdisciplinary perspective, the course will help students better understand the Chinese people, and the economic and social transformation that China is currently undergoing.

The core of this course will be a lecture series given by Tsinghua University professors and other local professionals who are knowledgeable in their fields. Teaching will be organized into thematic blocks with the lectures supplemented by required readings, tutorials, and cultural activities. Field excursions will enable students to experience first-hand the realities behind the course materials presented in the lectures.

Required of all participants. Must be taken for credit. This course will meet the general education requirement in History or the non-Western requirement for the History major or teacher certification. 4 hours

History 362: The Cultural Development of China. A description of the development of traditional society and its impact on China using the rich resources of our locations. Themes include the early development of Chinese civilization, cultural exchange along the Silk Road, hallmarks of traditional China, early Christian missionary efforts, and the historic significance of China. This course will explore through reading, lectures, and field trips the early development of Chinese culture through 1800. It will emphasize the distinctives of the Chinese heritage. 2 hours

There is a day-long on-campus academic orientation on Saturday, April 5. This is required
of all participants.

Wheaton College Faculty
Chuck Weber founded the Asia Study Program in 1974 and has led it twelve times. His special interests are the history of Asian Christianity, Western impacts on Asia, and East Asian international relations. He has traveled regularly in Asia, taught in Asian graduate programs, and done research on Asian topics in Asia, the US and Europe. His wife, Linda, will also help with program activities.

This year’s program will make extensive use of Chinese scholars from China’s most respected universities.

Cost
Every effort is made to keep the costs for the program low, despite the high cost of travel to Asia, so that students can take advantage of this opportunity. Expenses are comparable to those of on-campus summer programs. The cost for the program includes:

• Round trip trans-Pacific air fare departing from and returning to Chicago
• All housing and most meals
• Tuition for up to 6 hours
• Local transportation for course-related field trips and admittance fees for program activities
• Guest lectures from prominent Chinese scholars and Christian service
  opportunities
• Numerous field trips to historical, religious, cultural, and recreational sites
• Obtaining of all visas
• Meeting Asian students, leaders, officials, and Christians

For those applying by February 15, the approximate cost is $4,800 for all the above (tuition, transportation, room and board). After February 15, the cost is $5,000. Final cost of the program will be determined by March 1. Complete applications must include a $300.00 deposit.

Financial Aid
Wheaton students may be eligible for financial aid through the college. Application for summer school aid is made through the Financial Aid Office. For other possibilities, contact Dr. Weber.

Application Form
The application form, available from Professor Weber or the History Department, should be completed with the deposit as soon as you are sure that you intend to go because it reserves a place for you. A $300.00 deposit is due with the application and refundable through February 15. While February 15 is the deadline for applications, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible since preference will be given to those who apply early with a paid deposit. Applications will be accepted after February 15 as space allows.

For Further Information Contact:

Prof. Charles W. Weber
Wheaton’s May in Asia Program
History Department
Blanchard 208
Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: 630.752.5863
Charles.W.Weber@Wheaton.edu

 

To print this information out, download the brochure in PDF format.