MAJ08919 China

China is one of the world's oldest and most influential civilisations. Since the 1980s, when the Chinese Government embraced a program of economic development and greater international openness, it has also had one of the world's fastest growing economies. As host for the 2008 Olympics, China focused the world's attention on its remarkable rise as a major economic and political power of the 21st century. These characteristics, and its expanding influence in the Asia–Pacific region, make the study of China and Chinese culture important for Australia.

After completing a set program of study at UTS and through arrangements made by UTS: International Studies, students spend two consecutive semesters studying at one of the following universities:

• Shanghai University, Shanghai
• Shanxi University, Taiyuan
• Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin
• Yunnan Normal University, Kunming
• Zhejiang University, Hangzhou.

In both semesters the focus is on the study of language and culture. Students are assessed separately on each semester and assessment is based on the subjects undertaken at the host institutions, as well as assessments administered by UTS: International Studies.

Students may expect that no greater costs are incurred through undertaking a period of In-country Study in China than are involved in living away from home in Sydney.

In exceptional circumstances, students with advanced skills in Chinese are excluded from the Chinese Language and Culture program and are required to substitute other appropriate subjects from the list of approved alternative subjects. These subjects may be other subjects on offer in the international studies program, including those relating to the study of contemporary society, or those focusing on another language and culture. Students need to obtain the approval of the head of UTS: International Studies before they can vary any of their subjects of study in the program.

Locations

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province on China's eastern seaboard, 180km south-west of Shanghai. As a former national capital, famous for its rich culture and the beautiful West Lake, Hangzhou's mild climate makes it one of China's most pleasant cities to live in. It is the home of the Chinese silk industry (there is a vast silk market in the centre of town) and a major tea centre, producing the famous Dragon Well Tea.

Hangzhou's Zhejiang University, founded in 1897, is one of the oldest and largest universities in China, and particularly well known for its studies of engineering, ophthalmics and economics. It has more than 33,000 full-time students and over 10,000 staff members, with 20 faculties (schools) and 97 majors for undergraduate students, 194 master's degree programs and 106 doctoral programs. The university has a purpose-built overseas student dormitory on campus and has proven to be one of the most popular in-country study destinations for students in UTS: International Studies' China program.

Kunming

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan Province in south-western China, bordering Burma, Laos and Vietnam. Known in China as 'spring city' for its year-round pleasant weather, Kunming's location offers access to Yunnan's scenic beauty and diverse ethnic minority cultures.

Founded in 1946, Yunnan Normal University developed during World War II from the Teachers' College of the Southwest Associated University, established through a merger of Beijing University, Qinghua University and Nankai University – the three best universities in China at that time. Yunnan Normal University is known for its strength in the areas of education and studies on the cultures of minority nationalities in south-western China. With the UNESCO-sponsored Southwest China In-service English Training Centre on its campus, it has established strong international links and has more than 5000 full-time students and 6000 adult students, with 14 faculties/departments. The university has a purpose-built overseas student dormitory on campus.

Shanghai

Shanghai, situated on the Yangtze River Delta in east China, is the largest city of the People's Republic of China and the eighth largest in the world. It is one of China's most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communication centres. Shanghai is also one of the world's busiest ports. Considered by many as China's most cosmopolitan and sophisticated city, its skyscrapers and modern lifestyle highlight China's recent economic development.

Shanghai University is a public, comprehensive university. One of China's leading research universities, it ranks among the top 50 in most national rankings. In-country study students study Mandarin at the Yanchang campus.

Taiyuan

Shanxi Province in northern China is the cradle of Chinese culture. Approximately 75 per cent of the surface architecture from ancient China is found in the province. These sites have become important research and tourist attractions for those seeking to understand Chinese culture and history. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and situated on a tributary of the Yellow River, Taiyuan is one of China's most important industrial bases, and also famous for its noodles and vinegar.

Shanxi University, located in the provincial capital, Taiyuan, was founded in 1902 and is one of the three earliest established national universities in China. It offers a wide range of degree, diploma and certificate courses in the fields of liberal arts, sciences, engineering, management, arts and physical education. The university has established intercollegiate relationships with 38 colleges and universities and research institutions around the world.

Tianjin

Lying 120km south-east of Beijing, Tianjin is one of the four municipalities in China directly under the administration of the central government. It is the largest open seaport and one of the most important industrial, commercial and cultural centres in north China. It was once a treaty port with large areas claimed by Western powers as concessions, and many European-style structures have survived intact. Since the 1980s, Tianjin has been in the forefront of China's opening to the outside world and currently more than 8000 foreign-funded firms operate in the city.

Founded in 1958, Tianjin Normal University is the key comprehensive teachers' training institution in Tianjin. It is well known for studies in the areas of development psychology, as well as languages and culture. It has more than 5000 full-time students and 2000 adult students, with 14 faculties/departments. The university has a purpose-built overseas student dormitory on campus.

Semester dates for Chinese universities are Spring (late February to late June) and Autumn (early September to mid January).

Completion requirements