China: Political & Economic Development Summer Program

» General Information

Location:

Beijing, China (Population ca. 12 million)

Description:

This program examines modern Chinese political economy from an historical perspective.  Courses will cover the origins and development of Chinese communism and its influence on Chinese politics and economy before, during, and after the Maoist Era. Students will also 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.



Terms:

Summer Term: June 18 - August 12, 2012

Sponsor:

Northwestern University Office of International Program Development (IPD), in partnership with Peking University

Website:

China: Political & Economic Development Summer Program

Program Contact:

Karey Fuhs, Assistant Director, International Program Development Office 1800 Sherman Ave., Suite 4-700 Phone: 847-467-6953

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Summer Application

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Language Requirements

  • No language requirement; non-language courses taught in English

Program Requirements

Cumulative GPA of 3.0 GPA.

Academic Specialties

Economics, Political Science, Modern History, Chinese language, and other disciplines.

Course Type

Program courses take place at Peking University in Beijing.

This is a Northwestern program offering a set curriculum, so students must enroll in the courses listed below:

Contemporary Chinese Political Economy (1 credit)

Students will examine 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.

History of Chinese Communism (1 credit)

Students will explore the sources and contours of Chinese communism from its inception to Mao’s death in 1976. They will learn about the origins, development, and consequences of the Chinese Communist movement. As Mao was a central figure in much of the development in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), students will also learn about Mao’s life and deeds.

Chinese Language: Interdisciplinary Course (2 credits)

While there is no language prerequisite 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. 

Additional Information

Policies:
  • Read about the refund, cancellation and withdrawal policies for Northwestern's summer study abroad programs
  • All students who participate in Northwestern Study Abroad programs are required to purchase HTH health insurance. Read about HTH costs and enrollment.
  • All students who participate in Northwestern Study Abroad programs must register prior to their departure with International SOS, a free travel and security assistance program. For registration instructions, click here.


Housing

University housing:
  • Students live in double-occupancy, air-conditioned rooms in an international dormitory. Group lunches with language instructors are provided each weekday.

Program Costs

Summer 2012: Please refer to the IPD program website.

Transportation to Course Site: Students arrange their airline tickets in conjunction with the Office of International Program Development.

Financial Aid: Northwestern students receiving financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for summer aid for this program. If funding is available, it may count as one of their 12 quarters of aid. For more information, please contact Mike Frechette, Assistant Director of Study Abroad Financial Services, at 847-491-7400. Non-Northwestern students should contact the Financial Aid office at their home institution.

Approximate Program Size

25-30 students.

Application Requirements

Students applying to this program must:

  1. Download the Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application.
  2. Call the IPD office at 847-467-6953 to set up an interview with the IPD study abroad coordinator, and specify which program(s) you are interested in. These interview sessions are intended for students who are ready to apply and are an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions. Group interview sessions are held regularly at the IPD office (check IPD's events calendar for the schedule), and you are encouraged to call and reserve a place in a timely manner. Non-Northwestern students and off-campus students may arrange for interviews via phone. Final decisions on acceptance will not be made until after March 1.
  3. Submit the following to the IPD office by March 1, 2012.
    1. Completed Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application
    2. Completed IPD Program Application
    3. 4 official passport photos
    4. A copy of your passport. Make sure your passport is valid through February of the following year.  If you are planning to apply to this program and you do not yet have a passport (or need to renew your current passport), you should begin this process as soon as possible so that it is completed by the time of application. The processing time for a passport application is approximately 6-8 weeks.  For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, please visit the State Department's passport web site.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.

Read about a student's experience on the China program.