In spring 2020, we will divide the semester into two parts: literature review and research design. During the first part, we will read and do critical literature review of the current scholarship on topics related to your specific research questions and develop research proposal and outline. Then we will move to social science research design training by working closely with Meta lab to learn skills on conducting field research, i.e. surveys, interviews, data collection and analysis. Right before the departure, we will also hold a session on inter-cultural competence training.

During the study trip ( May 20-June4), we will explore different development experiences in China – discovering the hidden China –beginning with an orientation in Shanghai, and then travel by train to nearby Anhui province. We will visit social enterprises in Shanghai, agribusiness started by Mao’s “sent-down youth” in Anhui, village-government tourism models in the ancient town of Hongcun (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the artists’ commune in Bishan with its international film and music festivals, handicraft schools teaching urban students traditional skills, and farmers using wechat to sell organic vegetables. Through this practicum you will explore how China is developing in often unknown ways, as well as enjoying the beautiful mountains, ancient villages, and bamboo forests of Anhui province.

We will continue to work on analyzing the data we have collected during the practicum trip and completing the final deliverable under the supervision of Prof. Wei Liang and Prof. Yuwei Shi. Students will submit their final deliverable by the end of summer.