Renmin University of China

Programs Description

With the rise of China, the demand for expertise in China\'s domestic and foreign affairs is higher than ever before.

Since 2006, the Contemporary China Studies Program (CCSP) has offered overseas students not yet proficient in Chinese language the opportunity to study Chinese governance and foreign relations while living in China\'s capital city. CCSP draws students from all over the world, fostering a unique multidisciplinary and multinational environment in which diverse backgrounds and experiences enhance rigorous academic study.

The two-year master\'s program provides a comprehensive introduction to the economy, politics, law, society, and foreign policy of contemporary China.In the second year, the program supports students as they conduct independent research on a topic of their choosing. Upon completion of the program, graduates will earn a Master of Law degree, as recognized by the Ministry of Education of the People\'s Republic of China.

CCSP resides within the School of International Studies at Renmin University (Renda), China\'s premier institution of higher learning in the humanities and social sciences. Renda\'s tradition of research and teaching excellence provides an unmatched foundation for educating top foreign students in the fundamentals of Chinese politics, society, and foreign relations. The university\'s vibrant academic community enriches students\' experiences well beyond the classroom.

Degree Requirements

CCSP is comprised of three components:

I. Coursework – In order to graduate, students complete a minimum of 32 credits (~12 courses), which can generally be completed in the first two to three semesters, leaving the final semester for focused thesis research and writing.

II. Field trips and visits of Chinese institutions and organizations

III. Original research work and completing a master thesis

Program Structure

• Courses & Credits

All courses are taught in ENGLISH. CCSP\'s courses have included:

Fall Semester:

Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy (3 Credits) Contemporary Chinese Society (3 Credits) China’s Grand Strategy – Series Lectures (3 Credits) Investing in China (2 Credits) Research Methods for Social Sciences (3 Credits) Methodologies in China Studies (3 Credits) Asia-Pacific Energy Cooperation (4 Credits) Asian-Pacific Security and Strategy (4 Credits) Basic / Intermediate Chinese Language (4 Credits)

Spring Semester:

Contemporary Chinese Politics & Government (3 Credits) Contemporary Chinese History & Culture (3 Credits) China’s Foreign Economic Policy (3 Credits) China and Asia-Africa Conflict Regions (2 Credits) Sino-US Relations (2 Credits) China’s Institutions – Series Lectures (3 Credits) Intermediate / Advanced Chinese Language (2 Credits)

Each semester, students will enroll in all substantive courses offered. First year students will also attend a weekly lecture series each term. Finally, although no Chinese language proficiency is required to enter the program; all students must take at least one semester of Chinese language.

• Visits

Each spring semester first-year students visit approximately ten government organizations, research institutions, enterprises, and sites in the Chinese countryside to gain a greater appreciation for contemporary Chinese life. Previous destinations have included the China Institute of International Studies, the Shougang Group, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, SINA Corporation, and Zhongguancun Hitech Zone in Beijing.

• Master’s Thesis

In the second year each student conducts independent research and defends a dissertation of roughly 10,000 words in length before a faculty committee. Students work closely with their faculty mentors to define a focused topic and research process.

Application process

CCSP has no academic prerequisites other than that all matriculating students must already hold a bachelor\'s degree from an accredited college or university. Although a background in the humanities or social sciences is useful, CCSP welcomes applicants from all disciplines.

Scholarships

Every year CCSP offers a limited number of scholarships to help cover a portion of students\' tuition expenses. For first-year students, scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. In the second year, the School of International Studies (SIS) Academic Committee will also consider academic performance when allocating financial awards. Scholarship recipients may be asked to assist SIS faculty with academic research and other tasks.