China Center News

Fall 2000

Yudof Leads Delegation to Strengthen Chinese Ties

Delegation

Picture: Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing met with the delegation at the State Guest House in Beijing.

President Mark Yudof and selected University administrators and faculty made a visit to mainland China and Taiwan this past summer. The delegation visited numerous premier universities, research institutes, and government agencies June 19-July 4, 2000. The mission of this visit was to cement friendships and forge new relationships with leaders of institutions with which the University has ongoing programs and with which it would like to start new endeavors. Several new agreements resulted from the trip in the areas of biological and biomedical sciences,agriculture and executive management.

COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The College of Biological Sciences (CBS) has enjoyed long-standing relationships with several universities in China and with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Thus, it was especially appropriate that Dean Bob Elde, on behalf of the University's Biological Sciences Policy Council, signed separate life science-oriented exchange agreements with Fudan, Peking, Xi'an Jiaotong, and Fourth Military Medical Universities and with the Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences. The agreements are founded on the many opportunities that exist for exchanges in many life science fields of mutual strengths, such as molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, ecology, plant sciences, genomics, and neurosciences. Dean Elde expects that these new agreements are timely as we expand the global scope of our research and education in biological fields. As he recently wrote, "China has seen a tremendous increase in funding for research, especially in the biological sciences, in the last few years. The exchange programs we are developing will open new avenues for sharing research techniques and results, as well as ensuring our continued access to the very best Chinese students, scholars, and scientists" (from the CBS magazine, Frontiers, Summer 2000, which focused on worldwide biology).

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (COAFES)

Richard Swanson, Assistant Dean and Director of International Agricultural Programs, visited the Agricultural University of Hebei (AUH) and Southwest Agricultural University (SWAU) in Chongqing. The city of Chongqing oversees the Three Gorges Dam project. Swanson signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chongqing Agricultural Bureau, which formed a three-way working relationship on the extension themes of importance in Chongqing. It is proposed that a group of Minnesota students will be able to visit Chongqing and SAU in the summer of 2001 for a several-week field study trip led by COAFES faculty. He also signed an exchange agreement with AUH.

CARLSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

The Carlson School of Management (CSOM) and Lingnan (University) College (LUC) at Zhongshan University finalized their agreement for an Executive MBA degree program at Lingnan in a formal signing ceremony with President Yudof and his delegation. Dean David Kidwell was a member of the president's delegation. President Huang Daren of Zhong-shan University and Dean Shu Yuan of Lingnan College, along with many of Lingnan's prestigious alumni from Guangzhou and Hong Kong, were present for the signing. The ceremony signifies the conclusion of formal negotiations over a three-year period between CSOM and LUC. Professor Mahmood Zaidi, director of the Carlson School's International Program Development, hopes that the first classes can begin sometime in 2001 after the degree program has been approved by the CSOM faculty, Board of Regents, and the North Central Accreditation Office.

ALUMNI IN CHINA AND TAIWAN

Alumni in China and Taiwan Memorable highlights of the president's trip were alumni celebrations in Beijing, Taipei, and Xi'an. A crucial element to the University's successful exchange with China and Taiwan has been its strong relationships with universities and alumni there. Margaret Carlson, Executive Director of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, recently recalled key moments with U of M alumni in China and Taiwan that reiterate the fact that we do indeed have a close relationship with those with whom we have had exchanges. "A wonderful moment was seeing the bus pull up to the alumni event in Beijing," Carlson said. "Over 30 students and alumni from Nankai University in Tianjin had made the two-hour ride. Our University has a strong relationship with Nankai because 81 of their faculty members have spent time at the U of M." She described other gestures on the part of alumni in Beijing and Taipei that were equally memorable. "Our alumni in Beijing arranged for a 150th birthday cake for the U of M sesquicentennial. And, at our closing event July 3, the Taipei alumni brought out a Fourth of July cake and piped in our national anthem (which they mentioned was hard for them to find). Although these alumni live half-way round the world...many of them having left campus a half-century ago, the fires of loyalty and pride still burn brightly."

LAW SCHOOL, HUMPHREY INSTITUTE, AND CARLSON SCHOOL

In conjunction with the president's trip, several faculty members from the University's Law School, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute, and Carlson School of Management participated in a joint seminar, "Emerging Issues in International Economic Relations," with the Law School at Fudan University. The Minnesota participants presented five papers. Dean E. Thomas Sullivan spoke on the critical relationship between antitrust and intellectual property. He and law professor Daniel Gifford presented an analysis of European opposition to the Boeing McDonnell-Douglas merger and its global implications. Professor Gifford and Professor Robert Kudrle of the Humphrey Institute argued for a new approach to international antitrust cooperation, and Professor Yijiang Wang of the Carlson School presented a fresh perspective on recent Chinese economic growth that stresses the role of anonymous banking. The seminar was well attended by Fudan faculty and students and is the first in a series of planned activities between Fudan and Minnesota law schools including more conferences and the exchange of students and faculty

DELEGATION VISITS TO THE UNIVERSITY MAY TO SEPTEMBER 2000

Shaanxi2000

Picture: Liu Yupu, Wei Ping, and Yudof (clockwise from left)

In late May, a delegation led by Mr. Xie Hongjun, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, visited with faculty from the Department of Soil, Water, and Science. Their visit was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Regents Professor Rip (George) Rapp of the Duluth campus welcomed the director of the Anyang Station of the Institute of Archaeology in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Tang Jigen, to the University in June. Others in the delegation included Wang Wei, associate director of the Institute of Archaeology, and Wu En and Xu Guangde, director and associate director of the Anyang Project.

Mr. Wang Wensheng, Chairman of Xi'an Jiaotong University's University Council, led a small delegation to the University in June. He and his delegates came to the University to further discuss exchange initiatives in the sciences and technology. Their visit was a follow up visit to the visit of President Xu Tongmo last November.

In August, Professor Shao Min of the Center for Environmental Sciences at Peking University made a visit to the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Senior researcher Meng Hui, Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited with faculty and researchers in the Department of Geology and Geophysics.

Liu Yupu, Senior Advisor of the Shaanxi Provincial Government and President of the Shaanxi Cadre Education Committee and a delegation of four officials visited the University in mid September. The mission of President Liu's delegation was to approve and sign a final agreement for the development of a training center at the University for executives from the Shaanxi Provincial government. While on campus the delegation met with President Yudof . They also visited with faculty from the Office of International Programs, and the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, as well as vice presidents Christine Maziar and Charles Muscoplat. The China Center will be coordinating the details of the program and hopes to receive the first group of executives sometime in 2001.

Discussion about China's Western Development

Speakers

Picture: Professor Hurwicz, Professor Qi and Mr. Holden at the discussion (from left to right)

Visiting Professor Qi Xiyu of People's University in Beijing, Mr. John Holden, president of the National Committee on U.S. - China Relations, and Regents Professor Leonid Hurwicz of the Department of Economics at the University participated in a discussion about China's new campaign to develop its western provinces and the challenges and opportunities it will pose for U.S.-China relations. Professor Qi started the program by giving a brief summary on the general region, which covers approximately 56% of the country's total land area including seven provinces, two autonomous regions and one municipality containing 23% of China's population. It is estimated that in the 21st century, 60% of the raw materials and 50% of eastern China's energy needs will come from the west.

Mr. Holden observed that China's biggest challenge will be in job creation, managing the difficulty of closing the unprofitable state-run companies and creating more companies to absorb the displaced labor. He also stressed that for China to succeed in this development it will need to further strengthen the "rule of law." Professor Hurwicz concluded the presentations with the economic implications for the development and the potential problems. Specifically, he discussed the need for the political leadership to balance the pace of the development to assure the sustainability of the environment, as destruction of the environment could lead to increased poverty in the region. The event was cosponsored by the China Center, the Minnesota International Center, and the U.S.-China People's Friendship Association.

CHINESE CULTURE AT THE U OF M SHOWCASED AT THE 2000 STATE FAIR

Chinese Toy

Picture: Mr. Lin demonstrates Kongzhu, a Chinese toy

The China Center was one of about 25 University departments invited by Institutional Relations to participate in this year's University presentations at the Minnesota State Fair. The China Center was one of the first organizations called because of its mission to foster cultural understanding. The China Center collaborated with three Chinese student organizations to plan events that would highlight Chinese culture and demonstrate student diversity at the University of Minnesota. The Friendship Association of Chinese Students and Scholars (FACSS), Minnesota Chinese Student Association (MCSA), and Taiwan Student Association (TSA) worked together with the China Center to plan performances on Aug. 24-26. The Taiwan Student Association opened the three-day string of performances on Kid's Day at the Fair with a demonstration of traditional Chinese toys. The second day included fortune telling, presented by FACSS. A performance of traditional folk songs by the Minghua Chorus and an exercise in calligraphy by visual arts student Feng Lei, also presented by FACSS, concluded the final day of performances

Minghua

Picture: Members of the Minghua Chorus sing at the Fair

PIANIST FOU TS'ONG PERFORMS IN MINNESOTA

Fou TsongWorld-renowned pianist Fou Ts'ong was on campus Wednesday, September 20. The event, entitled " Chinese Poetry, Western Music", was hosted by the School of Music and the China Center. Approximately 130 audience members sat intently in a recital hall as Mr. Fou engaged in conversation with Professor Alex Braginsky from the School of Music and Professor Emertius Richard Mather of Chinese Language and Literature. He recited classical Chinese poetry and played pieces of music that he felt corresponded to it. He answered questions from the audience and explained how he feels about the music that he is known for playing and what he associates with each composer with whom he has become so familiar. Mr. Fou has been referred to as an artist whose music can bring one to feel that "you are at the point to understand the meaning of the world and the purpose of our life" (Hermann Hesse, 1960 Essay to a Musician). He enraptured the audience in the same way during his performance and talk on campus.

Fou's Talk

Picture: Fou Ts'ong in the conversation (center)

CHINA CENTER WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR

HongThe China Center recently ended its near two-year director search by hiring Dr. Hong Yang. It conducted an international search that attracted 75 applicants from the United States and abroad. The search committee was chaired by Professor Mario Bognanno of the Department of Industrial Relations.

Dr. Yang, who assumed his position at the China Center on May 31, is a native of Leshan in Sichuan Province, China, and was both a professor of chemistry and coordinator of China Programs at North Carolina State University prior to coming to Minnesota. Dr. Yang impressed the committee with his proposal for a "China Center" at NC State, as did his dynamic way of thinking and high enthusiasm. He has a strong commitment to Chinese culture and U.S.-China exchange.

Dr. Yang studied at Chengdu University of Science and Technology and received his bachelor degree in chemistry in 1982. In 1985, he accepted a teaching assistantship from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and came to the U.S. for his graduate study. In 1990 he received his doctoral degree in chemistry at Stony Brook. He and his family have lived in the U.S. for 15 years.

As the new director, Dr. Yang has inherited considerable responsibility from former director Professor David Pui, who stepped down in 1998 to focus on teaching and research in his field of mechanical engineering. Since his arrival, Dr. Yang has undertaken several new initiatives to strengthen ties between the University of Minnesota, mainland China, and Taiwan. He and Regents Professor George (Rip) Rapp have been working with Dr. Steven Rosenstone, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and with colleagues in the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, to organize an international conference in archaeology at the University of Minnesota in 2003. In July, the Education Division of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. awarded two full scholarships to the China Center for U of M students to study Chinese literature and history in China for the 2001-2002 academic year. Dr. Yang is also actively working with the Cultural Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago on Minnesota student scholarships to Taiwan. The University of Minnesota has the largest Chinese population of any university in the United States, and the China Center is a resource which is unique in the nation and the world. As the new director, one of Dr. Yang's goals will be to encourage more Minnesota students to visit and study in mainland China and Taiwan.

Shortly after arriving at the University, Dr. Yang took part in President Mark Yudof's delegation to mainland China and Taiwan, June 19 to July 4, 2000 (see article on page 1), and he has also been active in working with the local Chinese community and organizations to promote Chinese culture and U.S.-China exchange. He was elected chair of the "Dragon 2000 Festival," which was recently held on Sunday, September 10, 2000. The festival was organized and sponsored by 17 Chinese organizations in the Twin Cities, and supported by the City of St. Paul and local businesses.

Dr. Yang is very enthusiastic about taking the leadership of the China Center. He strives to make the China Center a statewide catalyst and resource for the promotion of educational, economic, governmental, and civic pursuits between Minnesota and mainland China and Taiwan. An important part of the mission of the China Center is to increase Minnesota's awareness, understanding, and interest in China.

CHINA CENTER STAFF CHANGES

CarriCarri Marlow joined the China Center staff as the new office specialist in January. Carri graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in psychology and has since worked in the social service field as a research assistant in the Department of Psychology here at the University and also as a supervisor at the Humane Society of Ramsey County.

Jiang Weiye, a graduate student from Beijing, China, took over the graduate administrative fellow position on Aug. 14. He came to the University of Minnesota in 1997 to begin his graduate studies in both political science and human resources and industrial relations (HRIR). He has just finished an internship at SPX Corporation where he worked as a human resources generalist intern.Weiye

Wang Ning left his position as the graduate administrative fellow at the China Center in July after more than one year of service to continue his graduate education at George Washington University. He joins their Ph.D. program in strategic management and public policy this fall.

JOSEPH ALLEN TO HEAD ASIAN LANGUAGE & LITERATURES

AllenThis past January, Professor Joseph Allen became chair of the new Department of Asian Languages and Literatures (ALL). Once scattered among different departments, Asian languages are now united in ALL. Allen says ALL will use an integrated approach to teaching languages and literature. It will operate on the premise that cross department/discipline ties are necessary and beneficial to maintain a department that is active in the broader development of the field and students whose degrees are linked to other professional training. Professor Allen, who left his post as associate professor of Chinese Language and Literature and Comparative Literature at Washington University, came to the University because he "saw the potential for a truly world-class program in ALL." He has already been involved in several efforts to continue the important formation of this new department. First, he met with various faculty and groups to discuss a new approach to the study of Asian languages and literature at the University. This led to a proposed provisional constitution for ALL, and a new undergraduate major in ALL that went into effect in September. Allen "looks forward to building a department integrated within itself, with teaching and research in language and literature across Asia, and integrated with other academic units at the University and groups in the community, such that we can partner with them to strengthen our teaching and research, both in the region and the nation." Allen has visited Nankai University (NKU) twice to discuss ways to strengthen the U of M-NKU exchange. He has also entered into discussion with the International Chinese Language Program (formerly IUP) at National Taiwan University regarding a cooperative program. Visiting faculty members from Nankai and National Taiwan University will be here this fall to teach Chinese language. One of Allen's plans this fall will be to conduct a "mega search" to bring in six new faculty members. He will also expand course offerings to include Korean and Hmong.

Asian Languages and Literatures at the University of Minnesota will begin a new initiative in the interdisciplinary teaching and study of East Asian and South Asian languages and literatures. Faculty positions include Chinese Literature, either modern or premodern; and Chinese Language, especially applied linguistics or SLA. These are open rank positions, depending on qualifications. For more info please visit the website http://all.umn.edu or contact Joseph R. Allen, Chair, 612-625-0122.

Send letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, and three letters of evaluation to: Search Committee, Asian Languages and Literatures, 453 Folwell Hall, 9 Pleasant Street S. E., Minneapolis, MN 55455. Review of applications will begin Oct.15, 2000; the search will remain open until all positions are filled. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

2000 – 01 Academic Year of Study in China Chinese Universities Exchange Program (CUEP)

WHERE: Fudan, Nankai and Peking Universities
WHEN: September 2001 – July 2002
DEADLINE: March 16, 2001

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Chinese Universities Exchange Program (CUEP) offers academic year study at Fudan University (Shanghai), Nankai University (Tianjin) or Peking University (Beijing). Participants enroll in the Chinese language program for foreign students. CUEP fosters academic and personal independence by immersing the students directly in a Chinese environment without relying on directors or classes taught by American professors. CUEP is a reciprocal exchange program — for each U of M student participating, one Chinese student or scholar from the respective exchange university spends the year at the University of Minnesota.

COURSES

Sample courses include listening comprehension, oral narration, modern Chinese phonetics, Chinese characters and vocabulary, translation, and reading of newspapers and magazines. Students proficient in Chinese may arrange to attend regular university classes. Independent research projects can also be arranged and in the past have included the architecture of Tianjin and Buddhist rituals. CUEP participants will receive a transcript from the Chinese university. This transcript is used to apply for University of Minnesota credit for courses taken in China. Academic advising and transfer of credit is arranged through The Global Campus, 230 Heller Hall. The ten-month program begins in early September and ends in late June or early July. Courses are based on the semester system.

COST

CUEP is one of the least expensive programs available for an academic year in China. The program cost is based on resident tuition, dormitory housing and student services fees for 10 months. 2001 – 2002 estimated cost is $10,552.00 (excluding airfare). The comprehensive fee will be finalized prior to the date of acceptance.

FINANCIAL AID

Students receiving financial aid to attend the U of M may apply their aid toward the program fee. If you are planning to use financial aid for you study abroad, it is extremely important that you meet with a study abroad financial aid advisor in The Global Campus, 230 Heller Hall. Limited scholarships are available, please inquire at the China Center in 290 Humphrey Center.

ACCOMMODATION

During the program, CUEP students live in the foreign students' dormitory and share a double room with another foreign student. Students receive a pre-established monthly stipend to cover meal, incidentals.

CULTURAL EVENTS AND EXCURSIONS

The Chinese universities arrange free and/or subsidized local and regional excursions for foreign students. Students also receive discounts for plays, operas, museums and other events. Around the time of the Chinese New Year, typically in February, the Chinese universities have one month of vacation which provides a good opportunity for travel.

THE UNIVERSITIES

Fudan University, Peking University and Nankai University are all comprehensive universities designated as "National Key Institutions." The three schools have roughly the same number of students. The Chinese language and culture programs at the three institutions are similiar, while the other academic programs will vary from university to university. For more information, consult the China Center.

THE CITIES

Each city has its own cultural identity and amenities. Shanghai is the largest city in China followed by Beijing and Tianjin, respectively.

Shanghai is the business center of China. As a port city, Shanghai was one of the first places in China to absorb foreign influences, giving it a unique and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Shanghai itself is a museum of European and Japanese architecture.

Beijing is the ancient capital of four dynasties and the political and cultural center of China. Centered around the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, Beijing is full of attractions.

Tianjin is nicknamed the "Shanghai of the North". Under two hours from Beijing by train, Tianjin is smaller and less crowded. In Tianjin, there is a focus on heavy industry.

To find out more information about each city, consult guidebooks such as the Lonely Planet's China: a Travel Survival Kit and The China Guidebook. Additional information on the three cities and universities is available at the China Center.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application materials are available at the China Center, 290 Humphrey Center. Completed applications must be returned to the China Center by March 16, 2001.

The China Center will notify you by letter once we receive word that you have been admitted. At that time, you will receive more specific information about study in China and orientation.

Travel Grants Awards

SUMMER 2000 AWARDS

John Basgen, Laboratory Medicine

Jeffrey Broadbent, Sociology

Allen Gross, Rhetoric

John Gulliver, Civil Engineering

Xiaoping Hu, Radiology

Jeylan Mortimer, Sociology

Sheng He, Psychology

Marian Stachowicz, EECSci, Duluth Campus

FALL 2000 AWARDS

Deborah Allan, Soil,Water, and Climate

Joe Galaskiewicz, Sociology

Phil Goodrich, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Zhiguang Guo, Surgery

Zhuangyi Liu, Math/Statistics, Duluth Campus

Xiaoyang Zhu, Chemistry

DEADLINE FOR SPRING 2001 GRANTS

To travel Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr. 2001, apply by Dec. 1, 2000.

To obtain guildelines for faculty travel grants please call the China Center at 612-624-1002, or to download an application, visit the website: www.international.umn.edu/travelgrant