Travel Study Seminar in China, May/June 2007

The "Middle Kingdom" in a Global World:
Considering Family, Self, and Nation in a Changing China


Nations are becoming globally interconnected economically, socially, politically, culturally, scientifically, and technologically, leading to dramatic change in the lives of peoples around the world. Those of us who live in the United States are experiencing substantial change resulting from globalization; however, the pace of change in China has been particularly dramatic and accelerated in recent years.

                          


China is one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, with cultural relics dating over 400 years old. Contrasts in China resulting from ancient traditions, social change from revolution and the formation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, state policies of recent decades, and contemporary global influences sweeping China are exceptionally striking. This study seminar will examine the effects of global interconnection on Chinese culture, focusing on effects of change on the nation, families, and individuals.

To facilitate study of the effects of global change on Chinese families, individuals and the nation, overall, this course will provide students the opportunity to travel widely across China, to learn from Chinese university faculty and students, and to interact with professionals in other areas of work. Traditional theoretical and empirical academic work will be integrated with formal and informal discussion with faculty and fellow students, and with experiential learning through travel.


Course Description and Details: Students enroll for this seminar under SCS 196 (and perhaps SCSS 196) or PSY 194 for the 2007 Interim Term. In addition, students can choose one AOI credit from "International and Multicultural," "The Engaged Citizen," or another category, with advisor's approval. The course consists of three parts:

     Spring 2007: Readings, discussions, and lectures on China and methods of inquiry
     May 14 - June 5, 2007: Travel & study in China (see travel itinerary)
     Summer, 2007: Completion of independent writing project


Summary Travel Itinerary:
  • Beijing, Tiananmen Square,
  • Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City
  • Tianjin; Tai Mountain
  • Qufu, birthplace of Confucius
  • Luoyang, Shaolin Temple, Longmen rock carvings   
  • Lhasa, Tibet; Potala Palace, Dazhao Temple
  • Chengdu; Giant Panda Breeding Center
  • Chongqing; classes at SW University of Law & Politics
  • Shanghai
  • Suzhou

Accommodations and Meals: We will stay in three- or four-star hotels, an international guesthouse on SWULP campus, a mountain resort, and on an overnight train to Tibet. Most hotels have internet capability; if not, internet cafes are available in the cities. All meals except two lunches aboard train are included in the cost of the trip. Both Chinese and western style breakfasts will be served each morning. Lunch and dinner each day will be Chinese or Tibetan. Bottled water will be provided daily.

Financial Information: We anticipate the cost per student will range from $3,800 to $4,673 depending on the number of students who enroll. This cost includes round trip airfare; in-country airfare, train, and bus travel; local guides and interpreters; accommodations; all meals except 2 lunches; bottled water; and admission to all museums and historical sites. Five hours of Drake University credit is included at no additional charge for those who complete course requirements.

Health and Safety Information: Travel always entails risk so it is important for you to be informed about potential health risks specific to travel in China and Tibet. Please consult the Center for Disease Control website for information on shots that travelers should have before going to China and Tibet. Consult your physician to make decisions on any shots you need and medications you should take on the trip. Water from the tap in China is not safe to drink and uncooked fruits and vegetables may not be safe to eat. We will provide boiled or bottled water daily and carefully monitor food selections to reduce any chance of gastrointestinal illness from water- or food-borne bacteria. While there is no way to anticipate or prevent all potential dangers in urban areas of the world, China has an extremely low crime rate. Cities in China typically are quite safe for foreign travelers. All travel and daily activities in China will be done together as a group.

Contact Information: Judy Allen, Joseph Schneider, and Savannah Bao