CHINA: POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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Location: Beijing, China
Institution: Peking University
Term: Summer Quarter
Program Dates: Monday, June 18 - Sunday, August 12, 2012 (does not include travel)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2012
Language Requirement: None - all classes are taught in English

Academic Interests:
Economics, Political Science, History, International Studies, Chinese language

Program Description:
This program examines the origins and development of Chinese communism and its influence on modern Chinese political economy. Students will learn about evolution of Chinese economic institutions and policies, international trade and foreign investment, and labor practices in order to understand recent economic and policy developments and China's growing role in the global economy. Students will also take intensive language classes in Mandarin Chinese.  Weekly cultural and historical excursions complement classroom content and offer students a glimpse of Beijing's storied past.

Courses:

• Contemporary Chinese Political Economy (1 credit)
  Students will examine the contemporary Chinese economy since the Maoist era, and evaluate Chinese micro- and macroeconomic policies. Students will learn about the factors that led to China’s rapid economic growth as well as the implications on domestic and international levels. This course will cover various topics including: the Maoist Era Economy, Debating State Economy Relations in China, International Trade and Foreign Investment, and China’s Regulatory Challenges, among others.
• Politics of Contemporary China (1 credit)
  This course introduces students to the key aspects of contemporary Chinese politics, with a focus on the ongoing process of economic and political reforms. Discussion topics include Chinese political history (1949 to present), Chinese government structure and institutions, factional politics, economic reforms and their political implications, corruption, nationalism, and mass media. The course aims to improve students’ factual knowledge about China and to engage them in scholarly debates on these topics.
• Chinese Language: Interdisciplinary Course (2 credits)
  While there is no language prerepquisite to participate in the China summer program, students are required to take intensive language training while in China. Seven levels are offered, depending on the student’s skill level. Courses will be taught by Chinese language instructors from the local university. The amount of materials covered during the program will be equivalent to two quarters of Chinese classes at Northwestern. The courses will be taught by Chinese language instructors from the local university.

Program Costs:
2012 Estimated Program Fee: $6,500, includes tuition, program-related excursions, housing, visa, and daily lunch. Students should also budget approximately $900 in fees (Study Abroad Administrative Fee for NU students and HTH insurance), about $2,500 for international airfare, and approximately $1,700 for personal expenses, including meals, non-program transportation, personal travel, and miscellaneous expenses. Refer to the Downloads for a cost information sheet for this program.

Students applying to this program are eligible to apply for select IPD Study Abroad Fellowships. Also refer to the Financial Considerations page on the Study Abroad Office website for more information about billing, finances, and financial aid.