Program Description

China is a country with a rich and lengthy history. We can understand present day China by exploring its past. China’s contributions to the world and its continuing struggle to overcome internal issues affect all of us. The traditions of the Chinese people coupled with the country’s recent transformations make China both an intriguing and important country to visit!

This study abroad experience will begin in Beijing, the capital of China and host to the 2008 Summer Olympics. This city of over 15 million residents will help us begin to understand the traditions and transformations of the Central Kingdom. Planned destinations in Beijing include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. We will be able to see the famous Bird’s Nest Stadium, Olympic Village, and the National Theatre. We will visit a local clothing factory, visit an antique market, experience the Peking Opera, and enjoy a Peking Duck dinner.

From Beijing, we will travel by train to the smaller city (5.49 million) of Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province. Here we will visit Mount Tai, one of five sacred mountains in ancient China. While in this area we travel to Qufu, the home of Confucius and then back to Jinan to visit a rural school and the countryside.

From Jinan we will travel by air to Shenyang, a city of over 7 million residents and the industrial capital of the north. Here we will investigate further the topics of our course. While in Shenyang we will hear lectures on Chinese history, culture, and education at Liaoning University. Tours to surrounding sites will help us make further connections to traditions and transformations in China. We will visit the Imperial Palace, Chairman Mao Statue on Nanjing Street, Holland Village, the Japanese History Museum and Exposition (Botanical Gardens) Center. To explore the transformations in this area we will visit Taiyuan and ZhongJie Streets, local schools, WuAi Market, Carfoure Grocery, and a local vegetable and meat market. A visit to Inner Mongolia, featuring eating Mongolian food, viewing Mongolian dances, and an overnight stay in a Mongolian Yurt, will conclude our time in the north.

Mongolian Yurt
(Picture taken by Missy Buck)

Next, we will travel by air to Shanghai, a city of over twenty million people and the economic capital of China. Planned destinations in Shanghai—including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai History Museum, French Concessions, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Qibao Ancient Town, Nanjing Road, the Jade Budha Temple, the Acrobatic Show and a large Shanghai factory—will help us see both history and rapid change taking place in this area.

Our China Study Abroad 2008 trip will also include travel to Jiashan, Morris’s Sister City. While in Jiashan we will experience an overnight homestay and a tour of the ancient town of Xitan.

Finally, we will travel via bullet train to Pudong International Airport for our flight home to Minneapolis.

Course Description

IS 2037 China: Traditions and Transformations (IP, 4 cr)

This course is designed to introduce students to the rich history of China and cultural practices of the people. Students will investigate changes in China due to economic development in recent years. Students will consider the impact of this development on other countries, their field of study, and on their own lifestyle as international connections with China are explored. Participants will meet once a month for class beginning in December of 2007.

Course evaluations will include discussion, presentations, essays, participation in class and travel experiences.

Itinerary:

Photos taken by Pam Solvie

Faculty Profile:

Pam Solvie teaches education courses in the Division of Education at the University of Minnesota, Morris focusing on reading methods, language arts, children's literature, and foundations of education. Pam received her Ph.D. from Penn State University in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy and Language. She joined the faculty in the Division of Education at the University of Minnesota, Morris in the fall of 2003.

Pam's research interests lie in the areas of critical pedagogy and literacy and language development including literacy instruction as supported by computer technology; social, historical, and cultural constructions of literacy; and applications, as well as implications of literacy practices and policies. Additional interests include international perspectives on education.

Program Costs:

Program Fee: $3,000

Includes: lodging, most breakfasts, lunches, dinners, program excursions, insurance and tuition.

Extra Costs: $2,000

Includes but not limited to: airfare, some breakfasts and personal spending money.

Application Deadlines:

Initial-Friday, December 14, 2007
- receive a $150 program fee reduction
- entered into a $500 fee reduction drawing

Early—Friday, January 25, 2008
- receive a $100 program fee reduction

Final—Friday, February 15, 2008

Regardless of when you turn in your application, you may be eligible to apply for UMM scholarships worth up to $750. For scholarship applications, contact the Center for International Programs.

China photos taken by Pam Solvie

The Bund - Shanghai, China	Tiananman Square -Beijing, China
Streets of Beijing, China	Education in China
Streets of Beijing, China	The Pearl Tower, Shanghai, China