Chinese Studies in China

Program Dates

The dates will approximately correspond with Carleton’s fall term, 2006. Specific dates will be set later.

Director

Qiguang Zhao, Burton and Lily Levin Professor of Chinese

Professor Zhao initiated the Chinese Language and Literature program at Carleton College, where he now teaches Chinese language, Chinese literature, and Comparative Literature. He has led off-campus programs to Nankai University six times. Professor Zhao grew up on the Nankai University campus and spent his early years in Tianjin. He brings knowledge of both Nankai University and American college life to the program. Professor Zhao received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He received an M.A. in English and American Literature from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing and a B.A. in English from Tianjin Normal University. Professor Zhao’s publications include: Many Roads, Heart’s Journey, Hearing the Rain in a Passing Boat, Strangers in Strange Lands, A Study of Dragons East and West, Selected Fiction of Joseph Conrad, and numerous articles and translations in Chinese and Western journals.

Eligibility

Students who have completed Chinese 103 or more (or equivalent) by the start of the program.

Location

The program is based in Nankai University, which is located in Tianjin, in the heart of Mandarin-speaking China. Some other sites may also be included for our studies and activities. Nankai University, one of China’s most prestigious, has more than 10,000 students, 10 colleges, 30 research institutes and 26 departments, and offers teaching programs in 57 disciplines. Set in a quiet and beautiful environment, the University is an ideal setting for study and scholarly research. Nankai University has a historical commitment to language study and the College of Chinese Language and Culture specializes in the training of students from many countries. Other institutions of higher education may be selected due to possible changing conditions at our base university.

Tianjin, located 80 miles southeast of Beijing, is the third largest city in China. Historically renowned for its foreign concessions and folk arts, Tianjin has now become one of China’s newest and most important commercial centers. The Economic-Technological Development Area for foreign investment is 20 miles away from the city. Tianjin’s neighborhoods display houses in various Chinese and European styles. The city has numerous parks and a wide variety of cultural events. Beijing is only an hour and a half away by train. Students should have many opportunities to explore the city in addition to scheduled group tours.

The location, schedule, and traveling plans of the program may be altered in case of unforeseen international or domestic situations.

Course Of Study, 18 Credits

Chinese 207/ 307: Chinese Language (9 Credits)

These courses build oral and written proficiency, emphasizing expressive ability, accuracy of grammar, and pronunciation. Students learn to read, write, and speak Chinese inside and outside of the classroom. Class will be divided into several sections from intermediate (207) to advanced (307). The Program may adjust or cancel sections according to the language levels of the enrolled students.

Instructor: Local Faculty

Chinese 212: Chinese Culture (3 Credits) S/CR/NC

Local masters will teach Chinese calligraphy, art, Taichi, and/or Peking opera to students, immersing them in the Chinese artistic and spiritual world.

Instructor: Local Faculty

Chinese 282: Chinese Civilization (6 Credits)

This lecture course includes a general introduction to Chinese literature, history, geography, and society. It examines the social, ideological, and literary basis of Chinese civilization and society. The course will be conducted in English accompanied by some Chinese vocabulary with its English translation.

Instructor: Professor Qiguang Zhao

Living Arrangements

Students live with other international students in a modern dormitory. The adjoining “coffeehouse” is a meeting place for both Chinese and international students. The double rooms are well equipped with bathrooms and often have private telephones. Students are given a generous daily allowance for three meals per day.

Social Life

Fellow students, both Chinese and those from other countries, are easy to meet at Nankai University. Social and cultural events enable American and Chinese students to share interests in music, art, athletics, as well as Chinese arts and calligraphy. Nankai University hosts many cultural events and outdoor activities, and has facilities for volleyball, basketball, tennis, Ping-Pong, and Chinese martial arts.

Travel and Excursions

The program includes extensive travel to historical and cultural sites, and provides opportunities to experience some of China’s most culturally significant scenery. Travel is integrated with courses on Chinese culture, and presents many opportunities for practical application of newly acquired language skills. The group will visit many places. Two possible examples are Beijing, with numerous traditional and modern, cultural and political sites, and Shanghai, one of the most unique cities in the world and China’s commercial, industrial, and cultural center. The group may visit other culturally important areas in China depending upon conditions. Students will have individual travel time when they are divided into small teams travelling across China.

Expenses

Students pay the 2006-2007 Carleton comprehensive fees, which cover the cost of instruction, room, meals, some social events, and program-related travel within China. Students are responsible for round-trip airfare between the U.S. and China, course materials, personal expenses, and non-seminar related travel. Students may find $600-$700 sufficient for personal expenses and individual travel during the break. Student financial aid is applicable as on campus. See the Off-Campus Studies Planning & Program Guide for further information regarding work-study contracts, loans, and other subjects on financial aid.

Applications

Applications are available in the Department of Asian Languages and Literatures, LDC, and in the Off-Campus Studies Office, Leighton 119. They must be submitted to Jean Hayes, Department of Asian Languages and Literatures, LDC 234 by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2006.

One of the references should be a special Language Teacher’s Form completed by a Chinese language instructor. Forms are available from the Department of Asian Languages or the Off-Campus Studies office.

Please include two passport-sized photographs with the application. No digital photographs from the computer, please. Once accepted into the program, several photographs will be needed for visa applications and Nankai University documents.

A brief interview completes the application process; schedules will be posted in LDC 230 and/or on the door of LDC 217, Professor Zhao’s office. Notification of acceptance will be in writing before registration in February 2006.

There will be an information meeting 5:00 pm, Thursday, October 27, 2005, LDC 104.