Abroad programs in China
Semester program in China
Calvin has its own semester-long program in China, offered every fall semester. This program is located at the Capital Normal University in Beijing.
Here students may choose from two different "tracks."
Track one
They may either take an intensive course in Chinese language (eight credits) as well as three consecutive courses in Chinese history and culture, namely "Traditional Chinese Civilization," "Modern China," and "Emerging China" (eight credits).
Track two
Students may also choose to concentrate more fully on the Chinese language (twelve credits) and in addition take a course in "Emerging China" and participate in field trips (three credits).
Travel
The students in this program also have the opportunity to travel for several weeks, in order to visit historical and cultural sites in many other parts of China, including Shanghai, Xian, Nanjing, and Hong Kong.
Other information
The semester program in Beijing averages 12 students each year, but can accommodate more than that number.
There is no pre-requisite. Even though the great majority of students who participate in this program have already studied some Chinese language at Calvin College, some students choose to begin their study of Chinese in this program.
May term: Exploring China
(W41) This course gives students an opportunity to experience daily life in China by taking them to the large, model urban centers of Beijing and Dalian, as well as to less developed city like Datong and to the countryside around the Wutai Mountains in northwest China.
Description
This course allows students to perceive the striking contrast between the modernization and prosperity of major Chinese coastal cities and Beijing on the one hand, and the backwardness and poverty of the countryside and cities in the hinterland. Major historical sites are also explored, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, the 1300-year-old Buddhist statues in the Yungang Caves of Shanxi Province, and the historical northeast port city of Lushun.
Details
Students have the opportunity to stay on a Chinese college campus, so that they may interact with Chinese college students. The trip includes visits to schools, churches, Buddhist and Daoist temples, and shopping areas in order to understand how the Chinese live. Course activities include lectures, discussion, interviews, meetings, tours, and attendance at cultural and social events. Emphasis is on meaningful contact with Chinese people and enhancement of language skills.
Grading
Evaluation is based on participation in course activities, gains in mastery of the language, increased understanding of life in China, and growth in personal awareness.
Selection
Preference is given to students with a Chinese language background. This course may fulfill an elective in the Chinese and Asian Studies majors as well as the Chinese Group Studies and Asian Studies minors. This course will fulfill the CCE requirement. Course dates: May 23-June 10. Fee: $4225.
Instructor: L. Herzberg.
