Introduction
As many countries in the West experienced very low or even negative rates of economic growth since the recent financial crisis, China’s GDP has grown at an average 10% rate since 1990 and Beijing overtook Germany as the world’s largest exporter. In the wake of the Middle Kingdom’s continuing economic successes, some have started talking about “the Beijing consensus” replacing the economic and political ideas of the previously dominant “Washington consensus” as the new recipe for managing a country’s political and economic system.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is also becoming increasingly assertive on the world stage, both in the arena of diplomacy at various summits and multilateral forums as well as with regard to its military development program. China’s first aircraft carrier entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy in 2012 and some analysts claim that Beijing is building what is shaping up to be the world’s biggest submarine fleet. If we add Beijing’s recent achievements in anti-missile technology to the mix, we end up with the picture of a new powerful player that is ready to change the present-day global geopolitical balance.
On the other hand the image of a new superpower willing and able to take on the United States and other established world players is being undermined by various factors, China’s domestic problems in the first place. Chinese farmers engage in tens of thousands of protests every year while people in the cities swing between admiration for the West’s lifestyle and aggressive nationalism. More than anything else, the PRC is a volatile mix of no-holds-barred urban capitalism and a rural countryside with hundreds of millions of poor villagers. Overseeing this mix is an authoritarian political regime plagued by corruption whose legitimacy predominantly rests on maintaining solid annual GDP growth while keeping the unemployment low – a combination that is unlikely to be tenable in the long-term.
Objectives
The summer school on “China: A World Superpower – Myth or Reality?” will deal with a highly complex puzzle, which includes Chinese domestic politics, its economy, Beijing’s foreign policy and position in the current world order. The main aim of the program is therefore to explore, examine and understand how these phenomena relate to and influence each other.
Upon finishing the program, the students will ideally have gained a clearer picture of China’s capabilities as well as weaknesses and should understand the Beijing consensus, where the People`s Republic of China is headed and what China’s superpower ambitions will mean for other states, in both a short-term and long-term perspective. Visit ACADEMICS to find out more about the program.
Practicalities
The classes will be held at the Prague Summer Schools venue (Marianeum, Machova 7, Vinohrady, Prague 2, website). Accommodation will be provided to students in double rooms at the accommodation facilities in the venue or Hotel Ametyst which is located within a walking distance from the venue. Each room is equipped with a shower, WC, satellite TV, Internet connection and telephone. Meals provided by the organizer will include breakfasts served in the hotel and dinners in restaurant located nearby the Summer School venue. As the days are demanding there will be coffee, tea and small snack available free of charge during the breaks between lectures.
Application Procedure
Although there are application deadlines, students are accepted on rolling basis. In order to allow time to carefully review all student application materials, an e-mail notifying the application status to Prague Summer Schools will be sent to applicants approximately 14 days after the application is received. Applications received by the early bird application deadline of January 31st will receive preference in admission decisions. Late applications may be considered. However, late applicants run the risk of finding the program full. All students will be informed about admissions decisions by April 1. Participants will be selected according to the following three criteria:
- Educational Background (Year, Grade Point Average and Area of Study)
- Statement of Purpose
- Level of English (if applicable)
Approximately 30 students will be admitted to every program of Prague Summer School. We intend to restrict the class size to ensure interactive courses and discussions. We aim to create a truly international student body. Students must be currently enrolled in a college or university or be recent graduates. The Prague Summer Schools admit both undergraduate and graduate level students. Priority will be given to students with at least some academic background related to the topics of Prague Summer Schools. Nevertheless, students of other academic backgrounds, but with strongly demonstrated interest in the Summer School topic, will be considered on an equal basis. Students admitted to Prague Summer Schools are expected to participate fully in the program by attending all classes, lectures and social events.
Program Cost
The program fee for early-bird applications: 720 EUR
The program fee for students who submit their applications after January 31st: 790 EUR
The program fee covers:
- Tuition and reading materials
- Accommodation in double rooms for one week
- Half board which includes breakfasts, dinners and coffee breaks
- Prague public transportation tickets and maps
- Site visits, social program, and cultural and special events (e.g. boat tour on the Moldau River, tours of Prague by a local homeless and farewell dinner).
Students are responsible for their travel to Prague, lunches and personal expenses. You can find more information about eating out in Prague here.
The individual deadlines for the receipt of payment will be stated in the official letter of acceptance. Payment plans can be arranged. The final deadline for receiving payments is 1 May.
Scholarships
Unfortunately, as a non-profit organization, SCHOLA EMPIRICA is not able to provide students with financial aid.
Nonetheless, we do encourage students to explore funding opportunities available through their home universities, non-governmental organizations and government sources.
You need to apply through the online application which you can find in the homepage of the announcement.
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://praguesummerschools.org/china/