China in the 21st Century: Language and Cultural Studies in Beijing
Hosted by Beijing Language and Culture University
Academics
This program offers students 12 class hours per week of Chinese language as well as the opportunity to examine modern China through courses in English in several disciplines including economics, film studies, women’s studies, and cultural studies. Students may enroll for a semester, summer, or academic year, or a combination of a semester and summer term. Students are encouraged to consider spending their second term in China in a different Alliance program to deepen their knowledge of China’s regional diversity.
The University
Founded in 1962, the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is considered to be one of the nation’s premier institutions for the teaching of Chinese language and culture to foreigners. BLCU confers degrees at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels and is comprised of 11 faculties and research institutes. The university hosts 14,000 foreign and Chinese students. It is located in the Haidian district, which is home to the majority of Beijing’s universities.
Pre-Requisites
No prior study of the Chinese language is required to participate in Alliance programs. Language instruction is offered at the beginning through advanced levels.
Coursework
All students are required to take a Chinese language course as well as Area Studies courses taught in English. Students' placement in the Chinese language course will be contingent upon the results of a placement exam after arrival in China.
In the Fall and Spring terms, students receive 15 credits. In the Summer term, students receive 8 credits.
Fall and Spring Term Courses with Syllabi and Faculty CVs
Fall and Spring Term Course Selection Form [pdf]
Summer Term Courses with Syllabi and Faculty CVs
Summer Term Course Selection Form [pdf]
Internships
Students with at least three prior semesters of Chinese language instruction may apply for one of a limited number of internships available on the BLCU program. Please click here for more information.
Class size
Classes are offered exclusively for Alliance students. Chinese language classes average 6-8 students per class. Area studies and business courses in English typically range from 6–15 students per class.
Faculty
All language faculty are jointly selected by the Alliance and BLCU to teach the Alliance students in exclusive classes. Chinese language courses are taught by full-time BLCU teachers. Area Studies courses are taught by faculty from various universities in Beijing. All area studies faculty have a PhD.
