China: Fall 2018
Explore China’s People, History and Culture
Go behind the history textbooks and headline news to experience the real China. With the world’s largest population and an economy that is expected soon to exceed that of the U.S., no other single culture or country will affect our lives in the coming decades as significantly as that of China. Yet China’s rich history of over 4000 years is little known and little understood in the Western world. Because of China’s size, population and rapid pace of change, it faces incredible social, environmental and political challenges.
From villages and rice fields, to sacred mountains, to modern fast-growing cities, China is a fascinating place to live and learn! Try the ancient art of calligraphy, study Mandarin, learn how to make Sichuan dumplings, visit Buddhist temples, and connect with Chinese Christians who struggle to find meaning in a post-Communist society. This introduction to China will clear misunderstandings, challenge stereotypes, and may lead to careers related to this dynamic area of the world. This cross-cultural semester is designed to engage China’s history, culture, and people through personal interaction, classroom study, home stays, service projects, and extensive travel. Students will benefit from the well-established network of relationships that the Mennonite Partners in China program has established over the past thirty years. In addition to the time students will spend in a medium-sized city in Sichuan province, there will be 6 to 8 weeks of travel that will include Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, the Great Wall, Emperor Qin’s Terra Cotta warriors, and possibly Tibet.
Explore China through student photos and journals
Information
Estimated Cost: tuition, room & board + $2500 travel fee (subject to change due to changes in currency
exchange rates and air fares)
Semester Leaders: Mary Sprunger, History Department and Myrrl Byler, Cross-Cultural Programs
Enrollment: 20 students
Credits: 15 semester hours
Course Descriptions
CCSSC 201 Cross-Cultural Social Science 3 SH
Students will gain a larger understanding of themselves and of their own culture through
interaction on a daily basis with host country nationals, and by reflecting on their
experiences and thoughts through regular journaling.
CCSOC 303 Community Development in China 3 SH
Students will examine theory and application models for successful service learning
partnerships in China. The course will include opportunities for students to teach
English or participate in other community development activities, potentially within
areas such as business, politics, or Chinese medicine.
CCLNG 112 Chinese Language (FL) 3 SH
Students will learn the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese through development of listening,
speaking, and writing skills. While the emphasis will be on developing conversational
skills, students will have an introduction to the fascinating world of Chinese characters.
CCHIS 308 Historical and Contemporary Issues in China 3 SH
By exploring China’s past, seemingly incomprehensible present-day decisions and events
become more understandable. Learning will take place primarily through travel to significant
cities and areas where history has taken and is taking place. Much of the focus will
be on China’s history during the past century.
CCREL 308 Chinese Religion and Culture (CIW) 3 SH
China has a long and deep history of spirituality. Ancient philosophy and traditions
are the basis of today’s culture, such as traditional medicine, forms of exercise
like tai chi and kung fu, Chinese cuisine, and family relationships. We will visit
temples, shrines, mosques and churches and talk to religious leaders.
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Immunizations
- Routine – MMR, DPT series with last booster within 10 years, IPV or OPV, Hep A and Hep B
Immunizations and prescriptions may be obtained at EMU Health Services by appointment.
Immunizations may also be obtained from your local health department or primary care
provider.
