CHIN 288: The Chinese City: Living Beijing
On-campus class followed by three weeks in Beijing
Director: Professor John A. Crespi, Department of East Asian Languages and Literature
On-campus course: Spring 2010
Tentative travel dates: May 19 - June 8, 2010
Course credit: One credit
Prerequisites: None; some Chinese language ability preferred but not required.
Ancient cosmological center of the world and current capital of a rapidly globalizing China, Beijing has long stirred the imaginations of natives and visitors alike. This multidisciplinary course explores the processes that have shaped and defined Beijing, especially during the past century or so. Topics include aesthetics of urban space, spatial symbolism, popular street life, arenas of political activism, and the impact of changing economic policies. Texts range from digitized historical maps and scroll paintings to film, novels, poetry, memoirs, travel guides, historical guides, and classics of urban studies scholarship. The course is normally offered as an extended study in which weekly meetings, as well as some technology training sessions, culminate in the completion of a digital project during a final three weeks in Beijing. Some Chinese language ability preferred but not required. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Estimate of student costs for the Extended Study to China.