Special interest: Chinese language, East Asian Studies, Politics and International relations, and business and economics classes

All students take

• Chinese language taught by native speakers. Intensive Chinese study may also be available.
• Internship: 20-hour/week internships (in Mandarin Chinese or in English) at local companies. Placements are currently possible in architecture, business, communications, education, graphic design, law, marketing, non-governmental organizations, and sociology.

Courses teach by Dr. Miller

• MCS 209 Documentary Photography, which would be taught as Documenting Beijing (this course is approved to fulfill the College’s ART requirement, and could be cross-listed with the Art department)
• MCS 288 Global Media (approved to fulfill the G requirement)

Both courses were specifically designed for Ursinus College Study Abroad programs and were successfully taught abroad. Both courses were revised in Fall 2007 and offered as MCS Special Topics courses on campus and are currently listed in the Catalog as part of the MCS curriculum. Both courses have had high enrollments when taught both abroad and on campus.

Documenting Beijing would fulfill one of our study abroad program objectives by requiring students to travel into the community to become acquainted with the neighborhoods and with local culture. Students in this course develop photographic techniques and visual composition skills as well as gain an understanding of the history of documentary photography. Besides required writing / research assignments, student complete a series of photo-essay projects that take them into various neighborhoods (to be determined) where they might not otherwise travel. Assignments require students to observe, photograph and research the objects or areas where they take their photos. When taught on campus, students documented Phoenixville, Norristown and Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Global Media examines the development and functioning of the global media system. The program for this course would be design in one of two ways. (1) Begin with a comparative analysis of the Chinese and American media systems and then branch out to media systems in other locations around the globe including Asia, Europe, South America and Africa examining the impact the local social, economic and political systems have had on the development of media industries; or (2) The course could focus entirely on the media in China examining how the political, economic and social environment shaped and defined their media system. A significant part of the course could focus on the current freedom of speech controversy surrounding Google and internet access in China as well as the invasion of western media and the impact of soft diplomacy on contemporary culture. Dr. Miller would conduct research prior to departure to decide how to design the content of this course for our students in the Beijing program.

Group flight

The College will arrange a group flight for all interested students so they can fly out and back together.

Housing

The accommodation tower functions as a small community complete with dining hall, restaurants, café, book store, convenience store, ATM, gym, and swimming pool. The tower has a reception desk that is staffed around the clock. Most rooms are configured as twin studios though a few quads with separate bedrooms are available. The rooms have suite bathrooms and wireless Internet, and laundry is available on every floor.

Program features

This program includes public transportation passees for the duration of the program. Several excursions and other field trips and group activities are also included in the program at no extra charge. Students partipate in optional activities at their own expense.

Pre-departure Orientation

All students who plan to study abroad for the fall 2011 semester must take IDS 210, a 1.0 credit pre-departure orientation course, during the last 7 weeks of the spring 2011 semester. See the spring 2011 course schedule for sections, days, and times.

Visas

UC Study Abroad will instruct students on how to secure the appropriate visas.

Target enrollment

We like to have about 20 students in the program, so please encourage your friend to join! Keep checking your email for announcements for upcoming meetings.