JMU in China:
Exploring Layers Of China

Summer 2008: June 9 - July 12 (tentative dates)

Program Location

We will spend four weeks exploring the history, people, and geography of the Sichuan province in southwest China.  The Sichuan province is one of the most visually stunning and historically rich regions of the country. Sichuan is home to several United Nations World Heritage sites, including the famous Giant Panda Bear Sanctuaries and Huanglong, a spectacular nature and wildlife area. Sichuan is also the cradle of ancient civilizations dating back to at least the fifteenth century BC. During this part of our program, we will be based out of Sichuan University in the thriving provincial capital city of Chengdu. This city is the fifth largest in China with a population of nearly 11 million people.  During the last week of our program, we will move to city of Beijing, host of the 2008 Summer Olympics (scheduled to begin on August 8, 2008).

Academic Program

We'll explore the ever-changing geography of China through field trips to important geographic, historic, and cultural sites.   We’ll also make extensive use of the medium of maps. Using modern technology and our feet, we'll investigate the historical and physical features in several parts of China, and we’ll explore the different geographies (language, culture, the arts, etc.) that make up contemporary China. We'll even look forward to the future and see what China might look like in 2020. This class will help you find new ways to explore this fascinating country and its people.

Instructional methods include lectures, guided tours, field work, journal assignment and/or papers, tests/exams and development of an interactive, digital map showing important features of China and the cities visited.

Tentative course offerings:
GEOG 450 Topics in Geography - Exploring Layers of China, 3 credits
HIST 391 Travel Studies Seminar, 3 credits

These courses can be applied toward any of the concentrations in the Geography BA or BS degree.

Accommodations

Students will reside in residence halls/dormitories in Chengdu, Beijing, China. Group meals will be provided.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

Applicants must have a 2.5 minimum GPA and sophomore standing.

For More Information

For additional information about the JMU in China: Exploring Layers Of China program, please contact the program director:

Dr. Michael L. Deaton
Professor
Integrated Science & Technology
Tel: 540-568-2725
E-mail: deatonml@jmu.edu