East Asian Studies 290: Wittenberg in China: On the Silk Road
May 17th through June 15th 2009
In China: Xi’an, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turfan, Urumqi, Hotan, Beijing
On the Silk Roadis a unique, interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students to some of the peoples, cultures and history of China. Rather than focus on the China of the Han majority, dynastic successions and the well-known eastern provinces, this course explores the historic and contemporary interactions and exchanges between China and "the West", between Han and non-Han along the western periphery that make modern China a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic state.
The Silk Road is both a metaphor for the historic exchanges of religions, arts, material goods, ideas and peoples of China, India, Persia, Mongolia and the rest of the "west", as well as the actual locations where such exchanges took place. Students will explore both. This course is designed for students to learn about, learn from, and learn by doing as they study and travel along the Silk Road.
Through assigned readings, class lectures and discussions, visits to cultural and historic sites, interactions with Chinese students, artisans and families, explorations of cities and villages, experiential learning activities, and independent explorations, students will gain an understanding of China, their own culture, and themselves. Students are required to: complete all required forms and orientation assignments; attend and actively participate in daily class, de-briefing and/or reflection meetings; complete all assignments; write daily reflection journals; develop an individual interest project which will culminate in a short formal paper and presentation. Link – Individual interest project
Open to all majors and minors; no Chinese language required
6 credit hours; meets Wittenberg general education requirements C or S Link - Credit hours & general education requirements
Cap: 20 students
Projected cost: $4,500 to $5,000 plus international airfare to/from China, passport and visa, subject to change due to inflation and/or exchange rate fluctuations. The programs costs include all expenses for students in China related to the program. Additional tuition fees for non-Wittenberg students: $540. Link – Projected cost
Contact program directors for more information: Link – Program directors
Dr. Stephen Smith, Professor of Anthropology & East Asian Studies
e-mail: srsmith@wittenberg.edu; office: Carnegie 110C; 603-327-7056
Dr. Marcia Frost, Associate Professor of Economics & East Asian Studies
e-mail: mfrost@wittenberg.edu; office : Synod 112A ; 937-327-7935
This program has been approved by
the Field Studies Committee and the Provost’s Office.
