Practicum: Understanding the China Dream 

In Beijing, Yunnan, Shenzhen/Hong Kong, and Shanghai, China

May 21-June 4, 2018

The course aims to inform students of the legacy, reality and aspiration of the China Dream as seen by stakeholders inside and outside China. Students will further understand and appreciate the growing significance of the China factor in the regional and global economic, political, social and ecological affairs.

The course is to be offered as a fall 2018 elective for all interested MIIS and Middlebury students. We are also exploring the possibilities of participation by students from other higher education institutions in Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

The course consists of three modules: the preparatory module consisting of lectures by the instructors (Wei Liang, Yuwei Shi, and Jessica Teats) and background research conducted by students on specific topical areas, the 2-week study trip in China with site visits and guest lectures by prominent academics and practitioners from universities, businesses, governments, and NGOs, and the post-trip book writing project.

Program Sequence

• Spring Semester: This section involves developing research topics, lecturing via videoconferencing, students presentations on research ideas, team building exercises, and drafts of initial methodology (e.g., interview questionnaires, surveys, etc.) This would serve as meaningful preparation for the guest lectures in China, as well as the development and preparation for research project to be implemented there on a variety of research topical areas, including application for IRB approval for topical areas of sensitivity, such as cultural norms, laws, or human behaviors, etc.
• Summer Semester (May 21-June 4) Study Trip to multiple cities in China. Chinese experts will lecture on the topics related to individual or team research areas. Interpretation and translation assistance will be available throughout the formal learning portion of the trip.
• Fall Semester: Students would continue with their research culminating into a book targeting a professional audience and the general public interested in meanings and implications of the China Dream.

Requirements and Expectations

• Students will register 4-credit course (DPPG8620 China Field Practicum) in the fall 2018
• No prerequisite or language requirement, although some Mandarin and interests, background knowledge or experience in the Chinese environment helpful;
• Commitment to participate and contribute before, during and after the summer practicum.

Cost

The program fee for MIIS students is $1500. This includes lodging, 2 meals per day on weekdays, and most local transportation. The program fee is subsidized by over 2000 by a generous private donor. Students are responsible for airfare, airport transfers, most dinners, and weekend food and transportation costs. MIIS students may apply for immersive learning travel subsidies.

How to Apply

Interested students should submit an unofficial transcript, C.V. and a one-page essay explaining why you would like to take the course, your goals for the experience, and the particular strengths, interests, and experiences you would bring to the course.  Please submit the application materials to Professor Liang (wliang@miis.edu ) and Professor Yuwei Shi (yshi@miis.edu) by February 23 .  For additional information, please contact Professor Shi and Professor Liang.

Additional Deadlines:

Application Deadline: Apply by email by Feb. 23

Deposit Deadline: $300 deposit due to MIIS cashier (831-647-6434/cashier@miis.edu) by March 12, 2018.

Full Payment Due: April 6

Topical Areas,  Potential Sites and Guest Lecturers