 Contemporary China: A multimedia journalism reporting project
China
3 or 6 undergraduate or graduate credits in mass communications
Richmond: May 19 – 25 and June 8 - 20, 2008
China: May 26 – June 7, 2008
Professors June O. Nicholson and Debora H. Wenger
$1,480 + airfare + VCU tuition
Registration deadline: March 17, 2008
Program description and application [PDF]
The School of Mass Communications and the Office of International Education are offering an opportunity for students from mass communications and other disciplines to develop a multimedia reporting project based in Shanghai and Beijing, China. This course is offered as part of the International Partnership Universities, Fudan and Beijing Foreign Studies Universities. In preparation for the reporting excursion, students will learn about China and explore specific topics for reporting assignments. The group will then travel to China for the onsite portion of the program. China is a modern giant on the world stage, a nation of 1.3 billion people and the most populous on earth. Students will learn about China’s booming economy, its rich and controversial history, its impact on the arts and culture of other nations, and the everyday life of Chinese citizens.
 Course and credit options: 3-6 credits in MASC 491 and MASC 691
Course description: This is a concentrated journalism course designed to help students understand contemporary China, report and write news about contemporary issues in that nation. The course will also help students to understand and appreciate the many connections between the United States and China. In this course, students will learn about the history, politics, culture and media of contemporary China and about the impact China has had on the United States and other nations.
Students will spend two weeks in China, at Fudan University in Shanghai, and at Beijing Foreign Studies University as part of developing a multimedia reporting project for publication. During these two weeks students in the course will interview and write about issues that will be examined as part of the multimedia reporting project. Students will meet with leaders in the fields of business, the arts, education and media. The focus of the multimedia reporting project will be to explore and understand contemporary China.
2008 estimated program budget
Program cost: $1,480 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $1,480 and includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Study visits and tours
- Ground transportation
- On-site program director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International student identification card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- All meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $500)
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Airfare: Airfare is not included. The professor will advise students of travel arrangements between the United States and China. Students should plan to leave Richmond on Sunday, May 25 to arrive in Beijing on the morning of May 26.
 Eligibility: Students must have a 2.0 GPA. This course is open to print or broadcast journalism majors and students who have expertise or interest in global affairs. Preference will be given to students with a journalism background, strong motivation to learn more about China and clear objectives for the course.
Registration deadline: March 17, 2008. Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Activities and excursions: Activities include a guided tour of Beijing and Shanghai, a visit to the Olympic stadium and Tiananmen Square, and a tour of the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. Students will also participate in a day trip to the Great Wall of China and a day trip to Suhzou, an intriguing ancient city with 2,500 years of history, considered a major silk-production center.
Accommodations and meals: Students will stay at the Fudan University guest house in Shanghai and at a hotel in Beijing.
 Program directors: The program will be led by Professors Deb Wenger and June Nicholson of the VCU School of Mass Communications. Wenger isassociate professor for media convergencesand new media. She is a 17-year broadcast news veteran. June Nicholson is the associate director for graduate studies. She has been a faculty member since 1984 and is an award-winning reporter. This is their second time leading a group of students to China.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs.
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