Beijing, China
Beijing: A journey to the Center of the Universe
Program Director:  Kent Guy (Department of History, China Studies)
Dates of Instruction: August 21 to September 15, 2006

As Beijing prepares for the 2008 Olympics, it prepares to be once more the center of the world’s attention.  This is a position the city enjoyed for nearly 600 years, as capital of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) empires.   Evidence of the city’s many roles – as capital of two dynasties; as the center of one of the largest multi-national empires in the world; and capital of the Peoples Republic of China are found all over the city.         This seminar will explore Beijing, using material evidence as a way of assessing history.  We will read about the city’s history, and then set out for the locations where it took place.  Class assignments will include readings of accounts of Beijing by its people, and more synthetic approaches.  Daily activities will include tours, and guest talks.  Excursions to sites outside the city – the Great Wall and Ming Tombs, and the Manchus’ summer palaces, will be organized on weekends.

Class assignments will include keeping a diary of reactions to the city; maintain a chronology of events that have shaped the history, and write a short paper describing one section of the city and the events that occurred there.  Students will receive 5 credits for HSTAS 454, Modern Chinese History.  Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements.

Student Costs:
$ 2,000 Program fee
$ 200 IPE fee
Additional costs include airfare to China, travel visa, health insurance and vaccines, meals, course materials and personal expenses.

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