China: A Leader in the Global Economy – Shanghai, Xian, and Beijing, China

From the ancient markets to the towering skyscrapers of international businesses that have come to expand their global markets, students will explore China through a truly unique and academically challenging experience. Drawing inspiration from the people and the culture, students will come away from this course with a better understanding of the changing face of China, which was once a sleeping giant, but has emerged as a modern global leader.

Notable Attractions and Excursions:

• Visit historical sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terra-Cotta Warriors' Museum
• Explore the Urban Planning Exhibition, the Shanghai Museum, and the Jade Buddha Temple
• Take a first class night train to historical Xian
• Experience local districts such as The Bund in Shanghai and Hutong in Beijing

The Site

Prior to departure from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, students will participate in an orientation session that provides the necessary cultural foundation for this program. Once students arrive at the Pudong terminal in China, they will take the maglev train known as the "fastest train in the world" into the bustling city of Shanghai. Here they will observe the changing face of China unfolding before them as they take a cruise on the Huangpu River and visit many local cultural sites, such as the Bund, the Yu Gardens, and the Urban Planning Exhibition. In Xian, students will view such historical wonders as the ancient terra cotta warriors, the Great Mosque, and the Ming Dynasty city wall. Students will take a night train with accommodations for sleeping and arrive in Beijing, where they will spend time in Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. The group will also have the unique opportunity to take a pedicab ride through the historic hutongs in the heart of old Beijing. The trip concludes with a day excursion to the Great Wall of China, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," where students will enjoy the mountainous view while walking on this breathtaking world-renowned creation. Duke TIP reserves the right to alter, or reverse, the itinerary as necessary.

The Course

In this course, students will study the political economy of China – a country with an explosion of economic growth set against an historical backdrop of sites such as the Forbidden City. Journeying through the country, students will examine the historical, political, and economic factors related to the development of China in relation to other emerging countries. Instructors will bring academic relevancy to the important historical and cultural sites and use them as a basis to study China's changing global face. Students will return home with an increased understanding of the country's culture, history, and new position as an economic world leader. This course serves as a foundational base for future study in political science, international relations, economics, Asian studies, international business, and international development. Students who choose this course understand the importance of globalization and are excited about the prospect of delving into this experience with enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity.

A Typical Day

Students will begin most days with morning class time that will prepare them with a cultural and historical framework for the day's events. Later, while enjoying a traditional lunch, students might be found debating a class topic or discussing the cultural significance of a recently visited site. The late afternoon or early evening allows time for students to work on their course journal and prepare for the evening's activity. Many evenings will find the group debriefing the day's events through instructor-led group discussion,watching a documentary to enhance the day's experience, or undergoing further exploration of cultural experiences. Students may enjoy a performance by the famous Chinese acrobats or sample local culinary specialties such as the original Peking Duck.

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