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Home , Geology of China, Liu Xun (Later Liang), Wenshu Temple (Chengdu)

: Land and Its People

Study Abroad to China At University in , Sichuan, China May 28 – June 24, 2011

One of the world’s top travel destinations, even more so since took center stage at the 2008 Olympics, China is an epic land of adventure. You will have the experience of a lifetime in this exciting new course China: Land and People offered by Queens College. Explore this colossus of a country which is one of the most populous and perhaps most culturally diverse places on earth.

Ancient and modern at the same time, China offers much to see and learn. Throughout your stay, you will study the remarkable people, language, and of China, and visit its greatest sights in and around two major cities Chengdu and Beijing, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Buddha, , and the Giant Panda Breeding Preserve. Site visits will introduce you to the history, literature, anthropology, archaeology, religions, minority nationalities (Tibetans).

Sichuan University in Chengdu, Sichuan, in , is our host university. Located in the rice bowl of China, Sichuan University is the perfect vantage point for us to study Sichuan University, a key national university in China, has a long history. The University went through two mergers, in 1994 with Chengdu University of Science and Technology, and in 2000 with West China University of Medical Sciences, and before that dates back to 1896. Throughout its history, the University has been the cradle for a great number of educators, scientists, and men of letters of high repute both at home and abroad.

Language, history, and Chinese Business courses are held in the classroom (morning to afternoon). Breakfast and lunch are on campus. Site visits are scheduled for most afternoons. Dinners are on campus or in local restaurants. Weekends will be free. Two multi‐day trips are scheduled in and around Sichuan, and one multi‐day trip is scheduled in Beijing.

COURSES OFFERED:

Students may register for one to two of the following classes (descriptions below): 1. Elementary Mandarin Language 2. Intermediate Mandarin Language 3. Chinese History 4. Tiger by the Tail: Adapting to China’s Role in the New World Economy

1. (Elementary and Intermediate)– 3 credits (Placement determined by test; courses taught by Sichuan University faculty)

See attached syllabus

2. Chinese History – 3 credits

See attached syllabus

3. Tiger by the Tail: Adapting to China’s Role in the New World Economy – 3 credits (Professor David Leventhal, QC Business and Liberal Arts)

Syllabus coming soon

Highlights:

Program Orientation Students register for individual classes which are held in the morning Site visits for all students in the afternoon Evening study Sichuan University and Sichuan University Museum This is perhaps the oldest university museum and contains ethnography, folklore, Chinese traditional painting arts, ceramics, bronze wares, stamps, seals, embroidery, and some foreign relics.

Chengdu City and Wenshu Temple in Chengdu city center. Wenchu is a monastery which dates back to the Tang dynasty (618‐907), is Chengdu's largest, best‐preserved, active .

Dujiangyen irrigation works. Built in 256 BCE, (approximately the same time as the Great Wall), this is the oldest and only surviving no‐dam irrigation system in the world, and is a wonder of science.

The Giant Panda Breeding Preserve. The panda has long been associated with China, and still face the serious problem of extinction. The Museum here graphically details the bears reproductive problems and there is also a large breeding ground at the site.

Evening performance of Sichuan Opera (if possible)

Leshan Buddha. Located at the confluence of three rivers, carving of the Leshan Buddha began in the year 713 (Tang Dynasty) and finished in the year 803. In 1996, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Currently it is the biggest carved stone Buddha in the world.

Mount Emei, one of the four Buddhist sacred mountains of China. In the mid‐9th century, the Emperor sent a Buddhist mission headed by monk to . On his return he was authorized to build temples on Mount Emei, where he preached and translated the Indian Buddhist texts. Ever since, Mount Emei has been one of the most holy places of .. The natural beauty and sacred significance of Emei Shan has been drawing pilgrims and tourists for 2,000 years. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1996. **Group sleeps overnight on Mount Emei to watch the sun rise over mountain.

Beijing Site Visits:

Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace, ceremonial and political center of China from the Ming (1368‐1644) to the end of the (16441911). It is located in the center of Beijing and now houses the Palace Museum.

Peking Duck Dinner

Great Wall, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections are now in ruins or have disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Temple of Heaven, The Temple was built in 1420 CE during the as the location from which Emperors and their families offered offer sacrifices and paid homage to Heaven.

CHINESE 101: ELEMENTARY CHINESE COURSE INFORMATION & SYLLABUS

Chinese 101 is a beginning level course. It is assumed that the students have no previous knowledge of spoken or written Chinese

Course Materials

1. Required: New Practical Chinese Reader Vol. 1. By Liu, Xun. Beijing: Beijing Language & Culture University Press, 2002. ISBN: 756191040.

2. Optional (but Recommended): New Practical Chinese Reader Workbook Vol 1 Audio CD. By Liu, Xun. Beijing: Beijing Language & Culture University Press, 2002. 3. Optional: New Practical Chinese Reader Workbook Vol.1. By Liu, Xun. Beijing: Beijing Language & Culture University Press, 2002.

Course Description

Each class will start with a quick warm up exercise (brief Q&A, games, or non-credit quiz) to review what was taught in the previous class. Each lesson will be taught in a structured way with the introduction of vocabulary (reading, speaking and writing out words in both and simplified characters), important phrases, and sentence patterns followed by situational conversations, discussions or exercises incorporating all elements of the lesson. Additional handouts will be given to help explain grammatical and pragmatic usage taken from supplementary materials.

Course Goals

1. To acquire the Chinese alphabetic writing system—Pinyin, learning to read and write in Pinyin.

2. To acquire 150--200 Chinese characters--Hanzi, memorizing their pinyin, meaning, and written characters.

3. To develop interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in Chinese at the beginner level. This includes conversations, interpreting and understanding course texts, and giving presentations.

4. To develop cultural awareness of the differences between Chinese speaking world and English speaking world. This includes understanding of Chinese products (ex. works of calligraphy), practices (ex. how to receive a compliment), and perspectives (ie. the thinking behind the products and practices).

Assessment/Course work

Learning a new language is a demanding task. Therefore, it is important for you to keep up your progress by completing each homework on time, and carefully preparing for each test and quiz.

1. Homework

There is one homework assignment for each lesson. Every assignment has two parts: (i) Chinese character writing practice, and (ii) Sentence pattern practice.

2. Quizzes and Tests

There is a 5-10 minute quiz upon completion of each lesson, covering listening comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Sample Tests are available in the course website.

Besides quizzes, you will also have a comprehensive test for every 2 lessons. Tests generally have the format as quizzes, but are longer.

3. Oral Presentations

There are two required oral tests in the semester:

(i) An one-to-one interview with one of our instructors around the middle of the semester. The goal of the interview is to test your ability to read pinyin. You will be asked to read pronunciation drills, and to carry a short conversation with the instructor in Chinese.

(ii) A group presentation towards the end of the semester. You are required to form a dialogue group of 2 or 3 people, to create an at least 10 minute original dialogue based on what has been taught in the semester, and to perform the dialogue in front of the class. As your dialogue must be set in a specific context, be aware of cultural differences, asking contextually appropriate questions, and giving appropriate answers.

Your performance will be video-taped and graded based on pronunciation and grammaticality.

4. Your final grade will be calculated as follows:

1. Effort & Participation 10% (or more) 2. Homework 20 % 3. Tests and quizzes 20% (Tests 10% & Quizzes 10%) 4. Oral presentations 15% 5. Midterm 15% 6. Final 20%

Ground Rules

1. Absolutely No Make-ups will be given for quizzes, tests or homework. If you are ill (and present a note from your doctor) or observing a religious holiday, you will be excused from that test or quiz.

2. It is important to arrive at every class on time as part of your commitment to good language learning. Attendance will be taken 10 minutes after the class begins. You can miss three classes without penalty as we all understand that college life can be very demanding. Nevertheless, if you miss a class you will have to check online or with your classmates for the lecture notes or handouts that you missed and will still be responsible for homework and quizzes in the next class. If you miss classes more than four times, you will lose all your points from ‘Participation & Effort’.

3. Active Participation in classroom activities is as important as your attendance. Hard working and enthusiasm in learning will be rewarded with extra effort grades.

4. Academic integrity: Cheating will be reported to the Dean. Always acknowledge the source of the materials you use, whether it be from the textbook, the internet, other books, etc. See the following link for details on writing citations: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

Finally: welcome to class! We hope you enjoy learning Chinese and discovering the world that the language opens up for you.

General History & Culture of China

Course Description

This course will be a cultural survey of China’s dynastic history from the Xia Dynasty(2100‐

1600 B.C.) to the Qing Dynasty(1644‐1911). We will examine the evolution and development of tradition, culture, philosophical thought, political organization, social structure, economic institutions, religious practice, and foreign relations in China. We will also compare social institutions and technological developments as they emerged in China and the West.

Textbooks

John Fairbanks & Edwin Reischauer, China: tradition and transformation, Harvard University Press, 1989; Fan Wenlan: Concise Chinese General History (4th edition, in Chinese Version), People’s Press, 1964 and Bai Shouyi: An Outline (in English Version) Course Requirements (exams consist of short‐answer/essay questions.)

1 One mid‐term exam 25%

2 One final exam 25%

3 Essay 25%

4 Class attendance/participation 25%

English is required in class. It would be better if students can understand Chinese.

Course Objectives

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the major figures, events, as well as social, economic and political developments in China from the Xia Dynasty(2100‐1600 B.C.) up to the

Qing Dynasty(1644‐1911), China’s last dynasty. Students will also be able to analyze and describe major philosophical schools of thought related to ancient China, the impact upon the imperial examination system, and the dynastic cycle typical in China’s history.

Instructor

Prof. Zhou Yi (周毅, The History & Culture School, Sichuan University, China)

Mobile: 13881861940 E‐mail: [email protected]

Course Plan

I. Introduction to the course

Approaches to understanding China’s history

Geography, family & lineage, traditions & heritages

II. Early Chinese civilization

1. The Xia Dynasty (c. 21st B.C.‐c. 16th century B.C.) 2. The Shang Dynasty (c. 1,562 B.C.‐1,066 B.C.)

(handouts)

III. The Western Zhou Dynasty (1,066 B.C.‐771 B.C.)

IV. The Eastern Zhou Dynasty (1,066 B.C.‐771 B.C.) 1. The Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C.‐476 B.C.) 2. The Warring States Period (475 B.C. ‐221 B.C.) Classical age in China (722‐221BC)

Philosophies

Confucianism

Daoism V. Dynastic cycle of China: the ancient stage (1)

1. Dynastic cycle: starting from the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.‐209 B.C.)

2. The Han Dynasty (206 B.C.‐220 A.D.): imperial Confucianism

3. The Period of The Three Kingdoms (220‐256)

4. The Jin Dynasty (265‐420) and the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420‐589) 5. The (581‐618) and the Tang Dynasty (618‐907)——the peak of China’s

ancient civilization

6. The Five Dynasties and Ten States Period (907‐960)

VI. Dynastic cycle of China: the ancient stage (2)

1. The (960‐1279)

2. The Rise of Mongols and the Yuan Dynasty (1271‐1368)

VII. The Dark Ages of Ancient China

The Ming Dynasty (1368‐1644) and the West

VIII. The early Modern Times

The Qing Dynasty (1644‐1911) and the West

Tiger by the Tail: Adapting to China's Role in the New World Economy

1. Course description: China with 1/5th of the world’s population, has become an economic juggernaut. Many years of dramatic economic growth have made China the world’s second largest economy; and it has its sights set on number one. China’s rise comes with enormous economic, political, and social implications. Business success will increasingly mean navigating the Chinese landscape. The success of the very life on this planet rests in large part on figuring out how to satisfy China’s, and its people’s, increasingly large appetite for valuable and scarce resources. This class will utilize lecture, classroom discussion, and group projects to place the students in the roles of various economic, political, and social actors, to gain insight into the decisions that will not only promote financial success, but that will have so profound an impact on us all.

We will compare and contrast Chinese and United States cultures and climates, beginning with an unfortunately brief study of China’s history. China’s history is such an integral part of what it is today that one cannot assess its present‐day culture without an understanding of how its politics and its people have been shaped by history. We will then examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of our respective governing and economic philosophies; the similarities and differences in the economic cultures and how we bridge the gap to promote international opportunities; the strain on, and management of, vital human and natural resources; and some shortcuts to economic success and their implications.

2. Credit: 3 credits, 45 contact hours, BALA 399.3

3. Course Description: Foremost among the “Asian Tigers,” China poses particularly monumental economic challenges to the US and the rest of the world. We will look at many of those challenges from the perspectives of various actors on the international stage.

Unit I: A Brief History of China. China’s history is such an integral part of what it is today that one cannot assess its present-day business culture without an understanding of how its politics and its people have been shaped by history. Among the topics will be the Dynasties, the , The Great Leap Forward, the , the reforms of Deng Xiaoping, agrarian tradition and urbanization.

Unit II: Governments and Governance. How do the very different roles of the state in the economic system promote or inhibit economic growth and success? What is the impact of the very different balancing of the rights of the individual vs. the rights of the community? What is the state’s impact on: 1. Product and Manufacturing Quality 2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship 3. Infrastructure and Preparing for the Future A. education B. physical infrastructure

Unit III: The Strain on Resources Part 1: Energy and the Environment A. Growth of China and consumption B. climate change and global pollution control Part 2: Labor, land and natural resources A. glut and scarcity -- how do abundant resources (ie, rare earth metals) boost economic growth and how do scarce resources threaten it? B. impact of prosperity and expanding expectations --China has achieved outstanding economic growth in part by sacrificing in the present to promote future opportunity. But wealthier citizens are beginning to demand better standards of living today, leading China more toward the US consumption model. How do the demands of the populace affect economic growth?

Unit IV: Intellectual Property Copyright, trademark, and patent rights and protection. What has been the impact of China’s intellectual property law enforcement and what does the future hold?

Unit V: International and Comparative Law and Ethics

4. Course Method: Lecture, classroom discussion, group projects that will place the students in the role of an economic actor, case studies, visits to local businesses and other sites.

5. Course Objectives: The course will introduce to undergraduate business or liberal arts majors to the challenges and opportunities posed by China’s rapid ascent in the global economy. We will address the impact on us socially, politically, and economically as consumers, citizens, employees and entrepreneurs. We will seek to do this by first exploring China’s unique social, political and economic history and the bearing that has on China today, in comparison to that of the US. Then we will compare the very different political and economic models and consider their relative strengths and weaknesses for economic development. Finally, we will take the points of view of various economic actors to try to gain an understanding of the complexities facing the different market participants in the decisions they are making every day, and of the impact those decisions will be having on all of us.

6. A final and detailed course syllabus will be available in early May