Furman University

China Study Abroad-May X 2011

Explore China's rich diversity, from the bustling financial and political capitals of Shanghai and Beijing to remote poverty and minority regions in Guizhou. Within less than a decade, more than 300 million rural Chinese residents will move into China's cities, putting an immense strain on an already overburdened urban infrastructure. Join Political Science Professor Kate Kaup and explore how the Chinese government is attempting to power its development strategy without causing social and environmental wreckage. Discuss development strategies and needs with Chinese government leaders, members of NGOs, peasants and workers impacted by rapid changes, and American Emabssy officials.

For over two decades, Furman has run the annual Fall in China term study away program. The program includes a three-week educational tour of China that in recent years has featured visits to Beijing, the Great Wall, Xi'an, Dunhuang, Tibet, Shanghai, Chengdu, Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Guilin, Lijang, and Huangshan. This is followed by a term of study at Soochow University in Suzhou where students typically take Chinese language courses and a Contemporary Chinese Society class specially taught for our program by Chinese instructors and at least one course taught by a Furman faculty China specialist. In 2009, Dr. Zhang Dongming (Modern Languages and Literature) is teaching Popular Chinese Literature and Film, and Dr. Kate Kaup (Political Science) is teaching Issues in Chinese Politics: Environmental Politics. Each Furman student is assigned a Chinese roomate and has the opportunity to participate in a substantive internship. The program also includes a home stay experience and a number of field trips in and around Suzhou. Applications are available in the Asian Studies suite during the preceding Winter term. Typically, between ten and twenty-five applicants are accepted. Participants must take part in the Spring orientation program. Full Furman credit is earned for three or four classes.