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China

China 2010


Introduction

The 2010 study abroad program to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will be conducted May 18 – June 17 and will provide about 20 ASU undergraduate students an opportunity to study the visual art and culture of one of the world’s oldest, enduring and rapidly developing modern-day civilizations.

The program consists of four interrelated courses of study: two seminar-based courses and two studio-based courses. Students will be introduced to the history, culture and philosophical foundations of traditional Chinese civilization and, by contrast, will explore contemporary trends and movements in the visual arts and culture that are currently developing in major urban centers.

In fulfilling the objectives of the program, students will travel extensively throughout the PRC and will be exposed to some of China’s most important cultural treasures, monuments and cultural centers.


Summary Facts


Courses

ISTD 3381: Chinese Art - A Historical and Cultural Survey. An examination of Chinese art and culture from pre-history to the modern era, with special emphasis on understanding the visual arts in context of the history, philosophy, literature and religion of Chinese civilization. Instructor: Randy Hall, MFA.

ISTD 3381: Exploring the International Art World. A study of the international art world as it has developed in the People’s Republic of China. Particular emphasis will be given to exploring traditional approaches to the exhibition and market of the visual arts in China and contrasting this experience with emerging contemporary trends and global venues. This course will include visits to galleries, museums, art institutes, art centers and artist studios. Instructor: Ben Sum, MFA.

ISTD 3381: Contemporary Artists Books and Journals. A studio-based research course exploring tools, media and techniques for creating contemporary artist books and travel journals. Students will create original “artists books” in response to their travels in China and prepare them for public exhibition. Instructor: Randy Hall, MFA.

ISTD 3381: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy. A studio-based research course exploring the tools, media and techniques for creating traditional and contemporary Chinese paintings and calligraphy. Students will create original works of art and prepare them for public exhibition. Selected material will be presented and demonstrated by faculty members at Beijing Language and Culture University. Instructor: Ben Sum, MFA.


Travel Arrangements

Students will be extensively briefed regarding travel arrangements prior to departure and schedules with addresses and telephone numbers will be given to each participant. All travel arrangements will be made by the program directors and approved by the university.

All program participants must have adequate health and accident insurance coverage in case of emergencies or other medical needs. Students will be required to obtain International Student Identification Cards that will provide medical, death and discount benefits. Participants must provide the directors with a copy of the policy number and company name of their insurance policy.


Tentative Itinerary

Hong Kong – Three days

Xian – Five days

Wudang Mountain – Two days

Dunhuang (Silk Road) – Three days

Beijing – Seven days

Jingdezhen – Two days

Shenzhen – Half-day


Student Eligibility

Undergraduate Students:


Faculty Leadership

The program will be co-directed by Mr. Ben Sum and Mr. Ralph Randall (Randy) Hall, both assistant professors of art in ASU’s Department of Art and Music.

Both co-directors have experience leading student groups within the domestic United States and, by summer 2010, will have augmented this experience through participation in the Center for International Studies’ Study Abroad Mentors Program. In this regard, Mr. Sum participated in the fall 2009 study abroad program to the People’s Republic of China. Mr. Hall participated in the spring 2009 study abroad program to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Learn More About the
China 2010 Program

Mr. Randy Hall

Mr. Randy Hall
Assistant Professor of Art
Office: CARR 236
Phone: (325) 942-2085,
ext. 226

Mr. Ben Sum

Mr. Ben Sum
Assistant Professor of Art
Office: CARR 246B
Phone: (325) 942-2085,
ext. 285

Pertinent Information

Make sure you read this pertinent information as you research your summer study abroad options.

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Country Profiles

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More Information

To research more about the country included in this study abroad program, visit the CIA World Factbook for up-to-date information about China’s government, economy, transportation, military and transnational issues.

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