3 Weeks in China

* PROGRAM INFORMATION MEETING: WEDS, FEB 13th ROOM 100 LA 6PM

This three-week, 8-credit summer course will take place in China right after the 2008 summer Olympic games, providing students a rare opportunity to experience China during a special moment of its rapid transformations.

The program will travel to three diverse Chinese cities: Beijing, Jinan, and Shanghai. Field trips include sites ranging from the most ancient and sacred to the ultra modern. Program participants will gain unmatchable experiences – camping atop the Great Wall under the stars, living/working with Chinese students on campus, and producing a public art exhibition. The course is open to all majors. Students can create art projects in any media including but not limited to photography, drawing, painting, film, video, performance, and installation. See 2007 program blog entries at: http://uoartinchina.blogspot.com

Location
Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. The political, educational, and cultural center of China, Beijing will host the 2008 Summer Olympics. Jinan is the capital city of Shandong province and home to both Confucius and Sun Wu, the author of “Sun Tsu Art of War.” It is known as the “City of Spring” with a history well over 3000 years. Shanghai is the largest city in China and the eighth largest in the world.Widely regarded as the citadel of China's modern economy, the city also serves as an important commercial, industrial, financial and cultural hub.

Academic Program
Students earn 8 hours of ART or ARTD credits. The class will commence in Beijing and conclude in Shanghai. While in Jinan students will live on campus and collaborate with Chinese students to produce a public art exhibition. Students will produce individual projects and group projects in any media or combination of mediums. Collaborations are encouraged. Students are expected to keep a blog/vlog and sketchbook that documents and archives their daily experience of visual culture from a critical perspective. Upon returning to the UO, students will hold a group exhibition in the LaVerne Krause Gallery. Students are encouraged to bring cameras, video cameras, personal computers, and other relevant art materials.

Resident Director
Ying Tan will be the resident director for the program in 2008. In addition to offering an on site studio art class, the director will also assist with program administration.

Orientation
Students accepted into the program are required to attend planning meetings during spring term to ensure that they are familiar with information handouts and participation responsibilities. Any student interested in this program is required to take a one-credit Intro to Chinese class at the University of Oregon during the spring term prior to the program. Consent from the resident director is needed to waive this class in the spring.

Living Arrangements & Meals
Program fee covers student housing in China for three weeks. Students will stay in double occupancy rooms. A supplementary fee will be charged for single occupancy. Students are responsible for any damages.

Eligibility
The program is open to anyone wishing to begin or continue the study of visual art. Participants must be over 18 years of age. University of Oregon students must have a 3.0 GPA or better and a sophomore standing. Professor Tan will interview and evaluate all applicants. Participants must have a basic background in any media within the visual arts and a familiarity with contemporary art practice, or the instructor's consent.

Academic Calendar
Instruction in Beijing, China begins on Sept 1 and concludes on September 21 in Shanghai. Students are required to arrive in Beijing by Sept 1.

Application Process
1. Applications must be received by February 28, 2007. A sign-up sheet for the interview is available at the UO Department of Art office.
2. Interviews will be conducted during the first week of March and accepted applicants must notify the Art Office that they plan to enroll and must submit the non-refundable $150 application fee to confirm their intent to participate.
3. A non-refundable $300 program deposit is required by April 1. The application fee and program deposit will be applied to the cost of the program.
4. Late admission is possible if space is available.
5. The Department of Art reserves the right to cancel the program based on low enrollment. In case of program cancellation, fees/deposits will be refunded in full.
6. Application forms are available at: Department of Art - 198 Lawrence
5232 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5232
Email: blawrenc@uoregon.edu

Cost & Financial Arrangements
Program fees are approximately $2800 total, including tuition for 8 credits, housing and transportation during the class period in China. The University of Oregon reserves the right to adjust the program fee in the event of price increases and changes in the estimated enrollment. Total costs are an estimate at this time and may vary slightly depending on exchange rates.

Students should count on spending at least the following amounts during this summer program:
UO program fee (estimate) $2800
Airfare $1300
Visa $100
Personal expenses (meals, personal travel, social events, laundry, postage, telephone, etc) $600
Estimated Total Overall $ 4800

Budgeting and money matters are discussed during the summer orientation. Please keep in mind that figures for personal expenses and meals are estimates only.

Payment of Program Fee
Application fee (due March 9) $ 150
Deposit (due April 1) $ 300
*Balance $ 2350
Total Fees $ 2800

Refund Policy
Students who withdraw prior to May 18, 2008 receive a refund less the $150 application fee and the $300 program deposit. Students who withdraw after May 18, 2008 forfeit all non-recoverable payments already made or committed on his/her behalf.

Students who are accepted to the program after May 18 must pay the program fee in full at the time of acceptance.

All refund requests must be made in writing and must include the reasons for withdrawing.

Financial Aid
Most forms of financial aid for which students are eligible at the University of Oregon may be applied to the costs of this program. Students should consult with Paul Carlile or a special counselor with international programs in the Office of Student Financial Aid, 260 Oregon Hall, for further details.