Study Abroad in Beijing with CIEE | Intensive Chinese Language

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Study Abroad in Beijing

Program Overview

Looking to immerse yourself in a rigorous and dynamic language learning environment that compels you to explore beyond the classroom? You’ve found it. The CIEE Intensive Chinese Language program is designed to enable intermediate and advanced language students to increase their Mandarin proficiency while exploring Beijing’s role in the greater Chinese society.

Through intensive Mandarin language courses, area studies electives, weekly interactions with Chinese peer tutors, a homestay option, and group excursions you won’t simply study Chinese—you’ll live it.

Study abroad in Beijing and you will:

Choose from the largest selection of Chinese language electives in China—ideal for advanced and heritage language learners—at the prestigious Peking University
Improve your Mandarin with up to 20 hours of in-class language instruction per week and one-on-one tutorials with Peking University peer tutors
Learn from CIEE staff trained in teaching Chinese as a second language and Chinese culture
Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven, and areas away from Beijing such as Xi’an or Hangzhou
Live with a Chinese host family or in a dormitory with other international students
Participate in smaller, topic-oriented cultural activities and lectures that provide meaning to what you learn in the classroom, and give you additional tools to understand your experience of living in another culture

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

At the prestigious Peking University, you'll have access to an exceptional range of courses and electives, allowing you to build an academic program suited to your interests and abilities. Enroll in courses that advance your grammar, character composition, and listening comprehension, or build language skills needed to conduct business activities—even study Chinese language through film.

In addition to this course work, a Language and Culture Practicum facilitated by the CIEE resident staff supplements your language learning, integrating many of the activities in the co-curricular program through task-based exercises and assignments using spoken and written Chinese.

Excursions and Cultural Activities

Guided field trips are organized to cultural destinations or events in and around Beijing, and might include historic sites such as Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and Forbidden City. Activities may also include more contemporary events, such as plays, rock music performances, modern art exhibitions, day hikes near Beijing, and interactive visits to orphanages or institutes for autistic children. Additional site visits supplement the area studies electives. Through experiential learning, you'll connect empirical experiences to content you learn in your classes, learning more about contemporary Chinese society and culture from the local people you meet. Two extended, weekend excursions to regions outside the city are also offered each semester.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

Tuition and housing
Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
Full-time program leadership and support
Field trips and cultural activities
CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the

button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2014

04/01/2014

TBA

$13,850

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$10,435

Housing ***

$2,800

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$213

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** students in homestays are invited to family meals four times a week

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$1,100

International Airfare **

$1,550

Local Transportation

$300

Books & Supplies

$50

Personal expenses

$1,600

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* for students in dormitory; homestay students may spend less as they are typically invited to family meals four times during the week

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2014 (15 wks)

10/15/2013

02/10/2014

05/25/2014

$13,850

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$10,435

Housing ***

$2,800

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$213

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** students in homestays are invited to family meals four times a week

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$1,100

International Airfare **

$1,550

Local Transportation

$300

Books & Supplies

$50

Personal expenses

$1,600

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* for students in dormitory; homestay students may spend less as they are typically invited to family meals four times during the week

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2015

10/15/2014

TBA

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2014-2015

04/01/2014

TBA

$26,300

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$20,085

Housing ***

$5,600

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$213

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** students in homestays are invited to family meals four times a week

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$2,200

International Airfare **

$1,550

Local Transportation

$600

Books & Supplies

$100

Personal expenses

$3,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* for students in dormitory; homestay students may spend less as they are typically invited to family meals four times during the week

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

2.75 Overall GPA

Eligibility

Overall GPA 2.75
135 hours of college-level Mandarin Chinese or equivalent*.
1 college-level Chinese area studies course recommended.
Peking University does not accept students who are citizens of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan ROC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau. This includes those who are permanent U.S. residents. Students of Chinese ancestry who hold U.S. and other foreign passports are welcome.

*Depending upon their language background, students with more than five years of college-level Mandarin Chinese or its equivalent and students with near native fluency may not be appropriate for this program. These students should consider applying to the CIEE Advanced Chinese Studies program instead. The Advanced Chinese Studies program has different requirements, earlier application deadlines, and a longer academic calendar. Intensive Chinese Language students may not transfer to this program once on site. There are also different fees and information associated with this program. Please see the Beijing Advanced Chinese Studies program.

Don’t Meet the Eligibility Requirements?

Students who are interested in studying intensive Chinese language in Beijing but do not meet this program’s Chinese language study requirements may consider the Chinese Language + Society program offered at the CIEE Study Center in Beijing at Minzu University. This study abroad program is appropriate for students with little or no background in Chinese language, and provides appropriate support and programming tailored for an elementary or beginner level Chinese student.

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for the semester is 16 semester/24 quarter hours and 31 semester/46.5 quarter hours for the academic year. Students who receive written approval from their home institution during the course registration process may take up to 19 semester/28.5 quarter hours.

Contact hours and credits for the required Peking University language courses and Chinese language electives are noted in the course descriptions. CIEE area studies electives, taught in English, have 45 contact hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours. Due to national holidays the fall semester has one week less instruction than the spring semester for all required Chinese language courses and Chinese language electives. This difference is indicated by the variable contact hours listed for each course.

Course Load Examples for Semester Students

Readings in Chinese—Intermediate I: 6 credits
Spoken Chinese—Intermediate I: 6 credits
Elementary Chinese Listening Comprehension: 3 credits
Chinese Language and Culture Practicum: 1 credit
Total: 16 credits

Readings in Chinese—Advanced I: 6 credits
Spoken Chinese—Advanced II: 4.5 credits
CIEE Elective Course in English or Intermediate and Advanced Chinese Language Elective: 3 credits
Intermediate and Advanced Chinese Language Elective: 1.5 credits
Chinese Language and Culture Practicum: 1 credit
Total: 16 credits

Readings in Chinese—Advanced High I: 4.5 credits
Spoken Chinese—Advanced High II: 4.5 credits
CIEE Elective Course in English or Advanced High Chinese Language Elective: 3 credits
Advanced High Chinese Language Elective: 3 credits
Chinese Language and Culture Practicum: 1 credit
Total: 16 credits

Program Requirements

A full course load ranges from four to five courses for the semester and seven to nine courses for the academic year. All students take Readings in Chinese, Spoken Chinese, the Language and Culture Practicum, and one or two other Chinese language courses, depending on the level of the individual student’s readings in Chinese placement, or an English language elective. Academic year participants need not repeat the Language and Culture Practicum in the spring semester.

Study abroad students placed in Readings in Chinese—Elementary II and Intermediate I may also take Elementary Chinese Listening Comprehension. Students placed in Intermediate II to Advanced II may also take Chinese Pronunciation Correction or Intermediate Chinese Listening Comprehension and one other Chinese language elective at the appropriate level. Students placed in Advanced High I or above may take two Chinese language electives at the appropriate level. Students who have met the eligibility requirements of the program but demonstrate language skills below that of a typical student who has completed 135 hours of college-level Chinese may be placed in Elementary I. There are no Chinese language electives for this level. All students may also take one CIEE elective taught in English, in place of a Chinese elective, as part of the recommended full load, or in addition to a full load with permission of the resident director and home institution advisor.

Students are placed in the appropriate language level based on a language placement exam taken during orientation. The School of Chinese as a Second Language strictly matches test scores to course levels for initial placements. Since permission from the school is required to change levels, and with firm limitations on the number of times a student may do so, students are advised to review and refresh their knowledge of Chinese characters prior to taking the placement exam.

About The City

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As the capital of the world’s most populous nation, Beijing is at the center of much that happens in China. It is a city of more than 22 million people adapting as China emerges as a global player. Beijing reflects China’s long and evolving history and is home to some of the nation’s most well-known and culturally important sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace. In addition to being the political and cultural center of China, Beijing is known as the birthplace of Chinese cinema and modern art. Beijing also has China’s largest concentration of top research institutions.

Meet The Staff

Pat Lucas

Dr. Patrick Lucas graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oregon, with B.A.s in computer and information science, Chinese, and linguistics. He also holds an M.A. in applied linguistics from the University of Oregon, and a Ph.D. from Minzu University in Beijing in cultural anthropology. He is the first western graduate student to seek an advanced degree at the University. His research interests include identity, historical memory and narrative, boundaries and symbolic systems, as well as cultural survival and endangerment. First coming to China in 1985 as an undergraduate student, Dr. Lucas has been leading study abroad and international education programs out of Beijing since 1995.

Yan Jing

Yan Jing, Office Coordinator and Tutorial Coordinator, holds a B.S. in Information and Computing Sciences from the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing, and an M.A. in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Peking University, with a focus on cross-cultural communication. She was a volunteer at the Olympics and Special Olympics in Beijing in 2008. She has been working for CIEE since fall, 2011.

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Li Tao

Li Tao, Language and Culture Practicum Coordinator, holds a B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature from Jiangnan University, and an M.A. in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Capital Normal University. She has been working for CIEE since spring, 2012. Before joining CIEE, she taught Chinese to children in Davao, Philippines, for one year.

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John Urban

John Urban, Student Services Coordinator, holds B.A. degrees in Chinese and International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has been working for CIEE since fall, 2011. Before joining CIEE, he was a yearlong participant in the CIEE Intensive Chinese Language program at Peking University during his final year of college.

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Xie Yuanyuan

Xie Yuanyuan, Intensive Chinese Language Program Assistant and Homestay Coordinator, holds a B.A. in English and Literature from Bohai University, and an M.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from the College of International Education at Minzu University of China. She has been working for CIEE since spring, 2012. Before joining CIEE, she taught English language and literature to officers in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Artillery Command Academy.

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Where You'll Study

Founded in 1898, Peking University (PKU) was, and still remains, one of China’s most prestigious universities. Its long traditions of scholarly excellence and political activism have produced many figures that have played instrumental roles in China’s post-Imperial history. The university focuses on advanced research in the natural and social sciences, and its campus, which was previously an imperial garden during the Qing Dynasty, is home to the university’s 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The PKU campus has modern classrooms, recreational facilities, and numerous cafeterias, as well as convenient access to Beijing’s mass transit system, all within a short walking distance of each other.

Housing & Meals

Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. Students live in either the PKU foreign student complex—Zhongguanyuan Global Village dormitory—or in a homestay. Students may not live in accommodations that are not arranged by CIEE.

Zhongguanyuan Global Village

Living conditions in Zhongguanyuan Global Village are inviting and comfortable, and provide standard amenities such as beds, desks, armoires, private bathrooms, and Internet access. Shared kitchens are available, but location varies by building. Students live in suite-style units and each student has his or her own private bedroom. Each unit shares a common living space and bathroom and, depending on the layout, students will live with one to two other roommates. Roommates are either CIEE study abroad students or other international students.

Homestay

Homestays are located within 45 minutes from campus by public transportation and have two or three bedrooms. Students have their own room and share the living room, kitchen, and bathroom (in some host families, students may have their own bathroom). Students are invited to family meals typically four times during the week, but should budget for other meals, including lunch on campus and meals not eaten with host families. Chinese family members speak Chinese only. This option is highly recommended for students who want to establish relationships with Chinese people, live in an entirely Chinese language environment, and to make rapid progress in Chinese language and culture study.

Housing for Yearlong Students

Housing for academic year students between the fall and spring semesters is arranged and included in the program fee. This is to encourage students to stay in China during the break and to continue improving their Chinese language abilities.

Meals

Meals are not included in the program fee for students living in the dormitory and are the responsibility of the student. Students usually eat at the student cafeterias or at the wide range of inexpensive restaurants in and around campus.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Beijing even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and to identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

A mandatory orientation session conducted at the beginning of the program introduces you to the country, culture, and academic program, and provides practical information about living in Beijing. Among other activities, you'll tour the National Library and Zizhuyuan Park to familiarize yourself with these nearby resources. You'll also take language placement exams during this time. Ongoing support is provided on an individual and group basis by CIEE staff throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Currently, wireless is not available in the dormitory; however, you will be able to access the Internet from your dormitory room by Ethernet cable. The Internet usage fee in the dormitory is included in the CIEE program fee. Each host family will have Internet access for students, although availability of WiFi varies by family. There is Internet access in the PKU library, computer center, and CIEE Office. Some buildings in PKU have WiFi, but Internet access can be erratic and slow in China.

Culture

Extended Cultural Excursion

Two extended weekend excursions are offered to you during the semester. For the first excursion, you and CIEE staff travel together to a selected destination, allowing you to learn about areas outside of Beijing and to utilize your Chinese language skills under the leadership of the CIEE resident director. The location is selected prior to each term and changes each semester. Past trips have included Xi’an, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and the Shaolin temple. For the second excursion, CIEE will offer two to three different itineraries, each going to different locations and with different trip themes and under leadership of different CIEE staff teams. You will sign up for and take part in the trip that interests you the most. Through these specialized trips, with smaller group sizes, you can experience more personal interaction, as well as learn about a topic of particular interest. Past selections have included visits to the city of Shanghai, under the theme of “Modern Architecture and Urban Landscapes;” the birthplace of Confucius in Qufu, under the theme “Traditional Chinese Philosophy;” and a village visit and hike in the mountains of northern Shanxi province, under the theme “Environment and Rural Governance in China.”

Several Chinese students accompany the group to help foster a Chinese-speaking environment during these trips. You are expected to maintain your language commitment, as detailed in the CIEE Community Language Commitment, during all program activities.

Target Language Meals

To encourage you to utilize your Chinese, CIEE periodically arranges for you to eat meals with your tutors or Chinese friends, and Chinese instructors. Participants in the language meals are required to speak Chinese only during the meal.

Extracurricular Activity

Extracurricular classes in Chinese calligraphy, painting, seal carving, and martial arts are also offered each semester.

Academics

The CIEE Study Center at Peking University was founded in 1980, soon after the normalization of U.S.-China relations. The Intensive Chinese Language program offers students an opportunity to improve their fluency in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese through intensive language training. Students may also elect to take one course in English to supplement their understanding of China. Electives in English are offered in the areas of business, politics, religion, and culture.

Peer Language Tutor Program

The CIEE Peer Language Tutor program is a unique feature of the study abroad program and ensures that students’ linguistic and cultural fluency progresses throughout their stay. CIEE students are paired with PKU students for weekly one-on-one Chinese language tutorials for a total of three hours per week, with more hours available upon request. These tutorials provide students extra conversation practice in Mandarin and guidance with homework assignments, while giving them an opportunity to befriend and be a part of the lives of their Chinese peers. Past students have stated that their peer tutors were one of the best and most unique aspects of the CIEE program.

Academic Culture

Students attend language classes from Monday through Friday for a total of 12-20 hours a week in addition to electives for a total of 18-20 hours of class per week. Language classes meet in two-hour blocks between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Individual schedules vary depending on course levels. The required language courses are divided into nine levels according to the sequential textbook series, as described in the course section. The PKU School of Chinese as a Second Language groups these nine levels into Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced, with three levels each and a total of 26 sections. The section number does not correspond directly with Chinese language proficiency level and is designed to allow students with similar language proficiency to be grouped together in the same class. Therefore, course syllabi and content may vary between sections within each level.

Readings in Chinese meets 10 hours a week for Elementary I, eight hours a week for Elementary II through Advanced II levels, and six hours a week for Advanced High and Superior levels. Spoken Chinese meets 10 hours a week for Elementary I, eight hours a week for Elementary II and Intermediate I, and six hours a week for Intermediate II and higher levels. Electives meet two or four hours a week. Typical classroom size for required language courses varies from 10 to 20 students. Elective classes typically have 20 to 40 students, depending on the topic.

The CIEE semester study abroad program ends in accordance with the typical U.S. academic calendar and early exams are arranged for CIEE students. However, the language classes at PKU continue for one month past the end date of the CIEE program. Depending on the date of the Lunar New Year, there is approximately a two-month break between the end of the fall semester and the start of the spring semester, during which academic year students may travel around China and other parts of Asia. Other than these occasions and Chinese national holidays, students should limit travel to nearby destinations on weekends and reserve more extensive travel until after the program has ended.

Nature of Classes

Participants take Mandarin classes with CIEE and other international students and are not enrolled alongside Chinese students. CIEE electives are with CIEE study abroad students only.

Grading System

Grades for language courses are determined by two monthly exams (80%), homework and quizzes (10%), and attendance and participation (10%). Students missing more than 25% of any language course will not receive a grade for that course. PKU assigns a numeric grade out of 100 and CIEE assigns one of the following equivalent letter grades: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, and F.

CIEE Community Language Commitment

On this program, students are asked to take part in the CIEE Community Language Commitment. During orientation all students sign an agreement specifying in what contexts Chinese is required. This fosters a program environment and learning community that encourages regular use of the Chinese language for daily communication, thereby improving proficiency in the language.

CIEE Chinese Language Advisory Committee

The CIEE Chinese Language Advisory Committee (CCLAC) is comprised of specialists in the field of teaching Chinese as a second language and serves to promote the highest standards of education at the CIEE Study Centers in Greater China. Specifically, the committee advises CIEE administrators and language instructors on curriculum issues such as learning goals and objectives, instructional innovations, assessment of proficiency gains, program evaluation, and course articulation.

Language of Instruction

English
Mandarin Chinese

Faculty

All Chinese language courses are taught by faculty from the Peking University School of Chinese as a Second Language. The area studies electives are taught by PKU faculty, other local Chinese scholars, and/or international scholars residing in Beijing.

Course Description

All Courses

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.

CIEE Study Center Syllabi

To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.

Required CIEE Course

CHIN 3005 CBEJ

Language and Culture Practicum
This CIEE practicum supplements the language training by PKU. The practicum is designed and facilitated by the CIEE resident staff and integrates many of the activities in the co-curricular program through task-based exercises and assignments using spoken and written Chinese. Contact hours: 15. Recommended credit: 1 semester/1.5 quarter hours.

Required Peking University Language Courses

Readings in Chinese

These courses on Readings in Chinese (Hanyu汉语) concentrate on the study of written Chinese, and are designed to advance the student’s skill in reading and writing through the study of short essays and stories. They include exercises in tone drills, vocabulary, and grammatical usage.

Readings in Chinese—Elementary I
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of less than 500 words. This level is appropriate for students who have met the eligibility requirements of the program but demonstrate language skills below that of a typical student who has completed 135 hours of college-level Chinese. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Basic) Level 1 or Level 2, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Novice Low or Novice Mid. Textbook: Li Xiaoqi 李晓琪, ed. Boya Hanyu: Chuji Qibu (Pian I) 博雅汉语:初级起(步篇I) (Boya Chinese: Elementary, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 130/140. Recommended credit: 7.5 semester/11.25 quarter hours.

Readings in Chinese—Elementary II
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 500-1,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Elementary) Level 3, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Novice High or Intermediate Low. Textbook: Xu Jingning 徐晶凝, Ren Xuemei 任雪梅, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Chuji Qibu (Pian II) 博雅汉语:初级起步(篇II) (Boya Chinese: Elementary, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 104/112. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Readings in Chinese—Intermediate I
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 1,000-2,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Elementary) Level 4, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Intermediate Mid. Textbook: Qian Xujing 钱旭菁, Huang Li 黄立, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Zhun Zhongji Jiasu (Pian I) 博雅汉语:准中级加速(篇I) (Boya Chinese: Pre-Intermediate, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 104/112. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Readings in Chinese—Intermediate II
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 2,000-3,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Elementary) Level 5, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Intermediate High. Textbook: Qian Xujing, Huang Li, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Zhun Zhongji Jiasu (Pian II) 博雅汉语:准中级加速(篇II) (Boya Chinese: Pre-Intermediate, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 104/112. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Readings in Chinese—Advanced I
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 3,000-4,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Intermediate) Level 6, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Advanced Low. Textbook: Zhao Yanfeng 赵延风 and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Zhongji Chongci (Pian I) 博雅汉语:中级冲刺(篇I) (Boya Chinese: Intermediate, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 104/112. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Readings in Chinese—Advanced II
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 4,000-5,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Intermediate) Level 7 or 8, and is approximately equivalent approximately to ACTFL sublevel Advanced Mid. Textbook: Li Xiaoqi. Boya Hanyu: Zhongji Chongci (Pian II) 博雅汉语:中级冲刺(篇II) (Boya Chinese: Intermediate, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 104/112. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Readings in Chinese—Advanced High I
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 5,000-6,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Intermediate) Level 8 or HSK (Advanced) Level 9, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Advanced Mid or Advanced High. Textbook: Jin Xunian 金舒年, Chen Li 陈莉, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Gaoji Feixiang (Pian I) 博雅汉语:高级飞翔(篇I) (Boya Chinese: Advanced, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Readings in Chinese—Advanced High II
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 6,000-7,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Advanced) Level 9 or Level 10, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Advanced High. Textbook: Jin Xunian, Chen Li, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Gaoji Feixiang (Pian II) 博雅汉语:高级飞翔(篇II) (Boya Chinese: Advanced, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Readings in Chinese—Superior
This level is for students with a Chinese vocabulary of 7,000-8,000 words. Students who complete this level should be able to pass the original version of the HSK (Advanced) Level 11, and is approximately equivalent to ACTFL sublevel Superior. Textbook: Jin Xunian, Chen Li, and Li Xiaoqi, ed. Boya Hanyu: Gaoji Feixiang (Pian III) 博雅汉语:高级飞翔(篇III) (Boya Chinese: Advanced, vol. 3). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese

These courses on Spoken Chinese (kouyu 口语) emphasize conversational Chinese through texts, which include exercises in vocabulary, grammar, and sentence construction. The exercises are context-oriented and provide students practical vocabulary through dialogues and pattern drills.

Spoken Chinese—Elementary I
This level is appropriate for students who have met the eligibility requirements of the program but demonstrated language skills below that of a typical student who has completed 135 hours of college-level Chinese. Textbook: Dai Guifu 戴桂芙, Liu Lixin 刘立新and Li Haiyan 李海燕. Chuji Hanyu Kouyu (1) 初级汉语口语(1) (Elementary Spoken Chinese, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 130/140. Recommended credit: 7.5 semester/11.25 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Elementary II
Textbook: Dai Guifu, et al. Chuji Hanyu Kouyu (2) 初级汉语口语(2) (Elementary Spoken Chinese, vol. 2). Contact hours: 104/112. Beijing: Peking University Press. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Intermediate I
Textbook: Dai Guifu, et al. Chuji Hanyu Kouyu (Tigao Pian) 初级汉语口语(提高篇) (Elementary Spoken Chinese, Improvement). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 104/112. Recommended credit: 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Intermediate II
Textbook: Liu Delian 刘德联 and Liu Xiaoyu 刘晓雨. Zhongji Hanyu Kouyu (1) 中级汉语口语(1) (Intermediate Spoken Chinese, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Advanced I
Textbook: Liu Delian, et al. Zhongji Hanyu Kouyu (2) 中级汉语口语(2) (Intermediate Spoken Chinese, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Advanced II
Textbook: Liu Delian, et al. Zhongji Hanyu Kouyu (Tigao Pian) 中级汉语口语(提高篇) (Intermediate Spoken Chinese, Improvement). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Advanced High I
Textbook: Zu Renzhi 祖人植 and Ren Xuemei 任雪梅. Gaoji Hanyu Kouyu (1) 高级汉语口语(1) (Advanced Spoken Chinese, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Advanced High II
Textbook: Liu Yuanman 刘元满, Ren Xuemei 任雪梅 and Jin Shunian 金舒年. Gaoji Hanyu Kouyu (2) 高级汉语口语(2) (Advanced Spoken Chinese, vol. 2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Superior
Textbook: Liu Yuanman, et al. Gaoji Hanyu Kouyu (Tigao Pian) 高级汉语口语(提高篇) (Advanced Spoken Chinese, Improvement). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Spoken Chinese—Professional
This is an advanced level course that includes academic discussions on specialized topics in the fields of classical Chinese poetry and contemporary prose, Chinese history and philosophy, law, and economics. Textbook: Wang Ruojiang 王若江, ed. Yuke Zhuanye Hanyu Jiaocheng 预科专业汉语教程 (A Foundation Course of Academic Chinese). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 78/84. Recommended credit: 4.5 semester/6.75 quarter hours.

Chinese Language Electives at Peking University

Some Chinese language elective courses may not be offered both semesters.

Elementary & Intermediate Chinese Language Electives

This elective is appropriate for students placed in Readings in Chinese—Elementary II or Intermediate I.

Elementary Chinese Listening Comprehension
This course (Chuji Tingli 初级听力) is divided into two sections. Students placed in Reading in Chinese—Elementary II use volume one and students placed in Intermediate I use volume two of the course textbook. Textbook: Lin Huan 林欢. Hanyu Chuji Tingli Jiaocheng (Shang, Xia Ce) 汉语初级听力教程(上、下册) (Chinese Elementary Listening Course, vol. 1-2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Intermediate & Advanced Chinese Language Electives

These electives are appropriate for students placed in Readings in Chinese—Intermediate II through Advanced II.

Chinese Pronunciation Correction
This course (Zhengyin 正音) helps students correct pronunciation mistakes and trains them in proper pronunciation. It also helps students understand pronunciation methods and enables them to form correct pronunciation habits. Textbook: Wang Ruojiang 王若江. Hanyu Zhengyin Jiaocheng 汉语正音教程 (Teaching Materials for Spoken Chinese Pronunciation Correction). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 24/26. Recommended credit: 1.5 semester/2.25 quarter hours.

Intermediate Audiovisual and Oral Chinese
This course (Zhongji Shi-Ting Shuo 中级视听说) helps students to understand Chinese people’s daily lives and Chinese culture through audiovisual and oral exercises based on the popular Chinese situation comedy series, Home with Kids. It is designed to improve their Chinese proficiency level as well as intercultural communication competence. Textbook: Liu Lixin刘立新 and Deng Fang邓方. Hanyu Shi-ting Shuo Jiaocheng: Jia You Er-Nü 汉语视听说教程:家有儿女 (Home with Kids: A Multi-Skill Chinese Course). Beijing: World Publishing Corporation. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Intermediate Business Chinese
This course (Zhongji Shangwu Hanyu 中级商务汉语) teaches Chinese language in relation to business and communication. It enables students to engage in simple business activities such as visiting a company, attending meetings, ordering goods, making inquiries and claims, and negotiating insurance. Textbook: Cui Huashan 崔华山. Xin Silu: Zhongji Sucheng Shangwu Hanyu 新丝路:中级速成商务汉语 (New Silk Road: Intermediate Business Chinese). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Intermediate Chinese Characters
This course (Zhongji Hanzi 中级汉字) teaches Chinese characters, learning methods, ways to improve compositions, pronunciation, and meaning of Chinese characters, and helps students develop more complex vocabularies. Textbook: Li Dasui 李大遂. Xitong Xue Hanzi (Zhongji Ben) 系统学汉字(中级本) (Chinese Characters: A Systematic Approach, Intermediate Volume). Beijing: Sinolingua Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Intermediate Chinese Grammar
This course (Zhongji Yufa 中级语法) reviews basic Chinese grammatical patterns and introduces complex grammatical structures. Textbook: Xu Jingning 徐晶凝. Zhongji Hanyu Yufa Jiangyi 中级汉语语法讲义 (Intermediate Chinese Grammar Course). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Intermediate Chinese Listening Comprehension
This course (Zhongji Tingli 中级听力) helps students improve their language skills and listening abilities with exercises in Chinese. Textbook: Liu Yuanman 刘元满, ed. Hanyu Zhongji Tingli Jiaocheng (Shang, Xia Ce) 汉语中级听力教程 (上、下册) (Chinese Intermediate Listening Course, vol. 1-2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 24/26. Recommended credit: 1.5 semester/2.25 quarter hours.

Intermediate Newspaper Chinese
This course (Zhongji Baokan 中级报刊) guides students to correctly understand the contents and master the skills for reading Chinese newspapers and periodicals, improve their understanding of China and Chinese culture, and expand their vocabulary and improve their ability in Chinese reading. Textbook: Xiao Li 肖立. Baokan Yuyan Jichu Jiaocheng (Shang) 报刊语言基础教程 (上). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Intermediate Chinese Writing
This course (Zhongji Xiezuo 中级写作) provides practice in learning Chinese characters, as well as helping students increase their vocabulary, learn new grammar, and improve their writing skills. Textbook: Luo Qingsong 罗青松. Fazhan Hanyu: Zhongji Hanyu Xiezuo (Shang) 发展汉语•中级汉语写作 (上) (Intermediate Writing, vol. 1). Beijing: Beijing Language and Culture University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Advanced Chinese Language Electives

This elective is appropriate for students placed in Readings in Chinese—Advanced I through Superior.

Lectures on Chinese Language and Culture
This course (Zhongguo Yuyan Wenhua Jiangzuo 中国语言文化讲座) is a lecture series on Chinese language and culture presented by the faculty of the School of Chinese as a Second Language. There are 14 topics in total, including discussions of linguistics, literature, and art, ideology, and culture. Textbook: Zhang Ying 张英 and Jin Shunian 金舒年, eds. Zhongguo Yuyan Wenhua Jiangzuo (I-II) 中国语言文化讲座 (I-II) (Lectures of Chinese Language and Culture, vol. 1-2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 24/26. Recommended credit: 1.5 semester/2.25 quarter hours.

Advanced High Chinese Language Electives

These electives are appropriate for students placed in Readings in Chinese—Advanced High I through Superior.

Advanced Business Chinese
This course (Gaoji Shangwu Hanyu 高级商务汉语) fosters listening comprehension skills, speaking, reading, and writing of Chinese needed in business activities. Students deepen their understanding of the economic life, society, and culture of China in relation to business. Textbook: Li Xiaoqi 李晓琪 and Li Haiyan 李海燕. Xin Silu: Gaoji Sucheng Shangwu Hanyu (Shang, Xia) 新丝路:高级速成商务汉语 (上、下) (New Silk Road: Advanced Business Chinese, vol. 1-2). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Advanced Chinese Writing
This course (Gaoji Xiezuo 高级写作) helps advanced Chinese learners improve their written expressions and focuses on increasing vocabulary and reading skills. Textbook: Jin Shunian 金舒年, Liu Delian 刘德联 and Zhang Wenxian 张文贤. Liuxuesheng Shiyong Hanyu Xiezuo Jiaocheng (Shang) 留学生实用汉语写作教程 (上) (A Practical Chinese Writing Course for Foreigners, vol. 1). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Advanced Newspaper Chinese
This course (Gaoji Baokan 高级报刊) uses extensive reading materials from Chinese media, enabling students to learn about the Chinese economy, culture, law, and education systems. It is designed to help students master Chinese newspaper reading and expand their knowledge and vocabulary. Textbook: Zhao Yunhui 赵昀晖. Meiti Hanyu Gaoji Yuedu 媒体汉语高级阅读 (Advanced Chinese Reading in Media). Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Ancient Chinese
This course (Gudai Hanyu 古代汉语) teaches common vocabulary, grammar, and general cultural knowledge of ancient Chinese. It fosters basic competency in reading ancient Chinese literature and further improves students’ written Chinese. Textbook: Wang Shuo 王硕. Hanyu Guwen Duben 汉语古文读本. Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Chinese Function Words
This course (Hanyu Xuci 汉语虚词) helps students master the usage of main Chinese particles, grammar, and expressions in both spoken and formal settings. It focuses primarily on practical usage of particles and somewhat on theory. Textbook: Li Xiaoqi 李晓琪. Xiandai Hanyu Xuci Jiangyi 现代汉语虚词讲义. Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48-52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Chinese History
This course (Zhongguo Lishi 中国历史) provides students a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, and is designed to help students gain a general understanding of the subject, and build more specialized vocabulary and practice basic methods of the discipline, with a goal to connect the study of Chinese language and the field of Chinese history. Textbook: Zhao Yanfeng 赵延风. Zhongguo Lishi Zhuanye Hanyu Jiaocheng 中国历史专业汉语教程. Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Chinese Language through Films
This course (Ying-Shi Hanyu 影视汉语) uses Chinese language film,s produced in mainland China, as a way to increase students’ Chinese vocabulary and insight into the world of Chinese cinema and contemporary Chinese culture, and introduces them to the development of the Chinese film industry. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

English-Chinese Translation
This course (Ying-Han Fanyi 英汉翻译) enables students to master basic methods for English-Chinese translation and requires they translate an extensive range of general articles. It reinforces their understanding of Chinese sentence structures and expression rules, as well as helps them improve their ability to express themselves, expand their vocabulary, and strengthens their ability to communicate in culturally appropriate ways. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Survey of China
This course (Zhongguo Gaikuang 中国概况) enables international students to learn about China and its language. It also helps them gain relevant professional knowledge, while significantly improving their reading, listening comprehension, and speaking skills. Textbook: Wang Shunhong 王顺洪. Zhongguo Gaikuang 中国概况. Beijing: Peking University Press. Contact hours: 48/52. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Elective CIEE Courses—in English

Each semester CIEE offers two or three elective courses taught in English. Each course has a limited enrollment. Students may only take one course in English per semester due to the language learning goals of this program. Final elective course listings are available after acceptance, so students should not depend on these electives to meet home-school graduation and other requirements as they may be subject to change based on factors like student interest, instructor availability, and new course options.

CLST 3001 CBEJ

Seminar on Living and Learning in Beijing
The CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning takes an experiential, developmental, and holistic approach to intercultural development. In this course, students will acquire intercultural concepts and skills to apply to their daily experiences in Beijing. Active reflection will help deepen their understanding of the complexity and diversity of Chinese core values and cultural practices, encourage them to develop a more nuanced awareness of cultural background, and help them develop the ability to handle intercultural tensions successfully. This course may meet at another CIEE host university, Minzu University of China, a short subway commute from Peking University.

COMM 3002 CBEJ/BUSI 3004 CBEJ

Intercultural Communication for Business in China
This course is designed for students seeking a future career in China in the fields of business or international relations. The purpose of the course is to help students understand the ways in which culture interrelates with and effects communication processes by using Chinese culture as an example. Intercultural learning involves affective, behavioral, and cognitive processes. Throughout this course, students have the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes that increase their intercultural communication competence, especially their ability to communicate effectively in Chinese within the workplace. A variety of teaching methods that include lecture, guest lectures, discussion, group work, critical incidents, case studies, and field trips are used to address intercultural issues. Instructor: Donny Huang, Founder and CEO of 4stones Cross-Cultural Consulting Group.

POLI 3002 CBEJ

Government and Politics of China
This course is designed to examine Chinese government, politics and political power, and the Chinese government’s role in Chinese society. Discussions include how the Chinese government conducts its affairs, what is involved in Chinese politics, and how the Chinese political system and political power structure are organized and operate. The course helps students understand the unique character of Chinese politics, the policy decision-making process, power distribution, and their impact on Chinese society, as well as on the public and private sectors. This course is offered during the fall semester. Instructor: Dr. Tian Chenshan, Director, Center for East-West Relations, School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University

RELI 3001 CBEJ

Chinese Philosophies and Modern China
This course is designed to help students understand Chinese philosophies and religions, including Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, from a comparative and holistic perspective. It also helps students understand how Chinese philosophies have impacted modern China’s value system and its economic growth. Both primary and secondary texts are introduced in an effort to thoroughly understand classical and Neo-Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, and at the same time examine how these traditional thoughts and values have shaped the modern Chinese worldview and China’s modernization. This course is offered during the spring semester. Instructor: Dr. Wen Haiming, School of Philosophy, Renmin University of China

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