Chinese Law Summer Program
May 23 - June 21, 2008
Prof. Robert E. Lancaster, Director
Program Overview
The Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis offers a 4 week/5 credit summer study abroad program in Beijing,China. The Program provides an overview of the Chinese legal system and focuses on Chinese domestic law relating to the emerging market economy. The Program is hosted by Renmin (People’s) University of China School of Law and classes are taught in English by Chinese faculty who are experts in their field.
Classes meet in the mornings, which leave the afternoons and weekends free for study, sightseeing, or language instruction. In addition to classes, students will visit numerous government offices and agencies including the National People’s Congress, the Supreme People’s Court, the Haidian District Court, arbitration agencies, and a major Chinese law firm. There are also sightseeing trips organized in Beijing as well as a weekend trip to Shanghai - all included in Program costs.
Any interested law student in good standing is invited to attend. Students from all over the United States, Canada, and other foreign countries have enrolled in this Program. Applications from non-law students may be considered.
Indiana University - A Tradition of Summer Law Study in China
The Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis pioneered in sponsoring summer law programs in China. In 1987 Indiana University launched a summer program in Shanghai which operated annually for ten years. Law students and lawyers from nearly 100 law schools in the United States and seven foreign countries participated.
In 1998 Indiana University began a new summer program in Beijing - China's ancient capital and its political and cultural center. The host institution is Renmin (People's) University of China School of Law, internationally recognized as one of China's premier law schools.
This is the only 4 week/5 credit program in Beijing, focusing on the legal aspects of China's emerging market economy, the increasing opportunities for trade and investment in China, and the development of rule of law in China.
Renmin University of China
Renmin University of China was established in 1950, the year following the founding of the People's Republic of China. The first university established in the New China, it is designated a "key" national university. Its tree-lined campus is located in the University Sector of Beijing. Approximately 1,000 students are enrolled in Renmin's School of Law, which confers both undergraduate and graduate law degrees, and which has established academic exchange and other cooperative programs with more than 50 law schools in more than 20 countries. Renmin University is a modern, air-conditioned, technologically equipped facility.
Curriculum and Field Trips
In addition to its focus on the legal aspects of China's evolving market-based economy, the curriculum introduces students to the Chinese legal system and its dispute resolution mechanisms, and to the lawyering system of China. To expose the formal structure of China's political system, the course of study also includes instruction in China's constitutional law.
The curriculum consists of the following subjects:
- Overview of the Chinese Legal System
- Lawyering System of China
- Constitutional Law of China
- Intellectual Property Law of China
- Foreign Trade with China
- Foreign Investment and Joint Ventures in China
- Tax Law of China Relating to Foreign Trade and Investment
- Company Law of China
- Contract Law of China
- Arbitrating Disputes with Chinese Entities
Classes are typically held during weekday mornings, freeing the afternoon for study and sightseeing.
In addition to the classroom lectures and discussions, the learning experience is enriched through a series of field trips. They include:
- National People's Congress
- Supreme People's Court
- People's Court in Haidian District of Beijing
- Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation
- Chinese International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission
- Jun He Law Firm
Instruction is in English and the course is graded. Most lectures are delivered on weekday mornings, and most field trips are scheduled on weekday afternoons. An examination is administered and evaluated by the Indiana University Resident Professor at the end of the Program. Evaluation of student performance and the awarding of academic credit are entirely the responsibility of Indiana University.
Sightseeing and Cultural Activities
The program includes memorable sightseeing excursions. Students will travel beyond Beijing for a day trip to the Great Wall of China at Sinatai. There will also be a weekend excursion to Shanghai. In Beijing students will visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the site of the Heroes Memorial and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. Tiananmen is flanked on the east and west by the National Museum of History and the Great Hall of the People. To the north of the Square stands the main gate to the sprawling Forbidden (Imperial) City, where students will tour the classical buildings which were home to a succession of imperial dynasties. The sightseeing itinerary also includes the impressive grounds of the emperors' Summer Palace, and the famous Temple of Heaven.
Students will enjoy ample time during afternoons, evenings and weekends to explore Beijing, walk its streets, shop in its small markets and modern stores and experience its active night life. Some students will likely arrange travel to other cities in China or Hong Kong, or to other countries in the Far East.
Academic and CLE Credit
This program is fully accredited by the American Bar Association. Law Students earn five credit hours for successful completion of the program. By special arrangement with Resident Professor, a maximum of two additional credit hours charged at prevailing tuition rates may be earned by completing a substantial writing project after the program ends. Students should inquire of their home law schools about transferability of credits. Members of the Indiana Bar may enroll in all or part of the program for up to 24 hours of CLE credit. Local CLE accrediting agencies will determine the availability of CLE credit in other states.
Accommodations and Meals
Accommodation is included in the Program Fees, explained below. Renmin University provides housing in a nearby hotel of at least 3-star quality. Each of the air conditioned rooms has a private bathroom and shower, television and telephone. The rooms should also have internet access.
There are a large number of restaurants and shopping aroudn the Renmin campus. Restaurants, a post office, convenience stores, athletic fields, basketball courts and other amenities are within the campus gates.
Students can take meals at campus restaurants or sample local cuisine in inexpensive neighborhood restaurants outside the campus and at restaurants of every kind and price range throughout Beijing. Western "fast food" restaurants are within walking distance of the university.
Program Fees / Cost
Program Fees - $3,990
Program fees include classroom instruction, 5 academic credits, health insurance, housing (double occupancy), field trips and scheduled sightseeing activities, and a weekend trip to Shanghai.
Students are responsible for transportation to Beijing.(Single occupancy for housing in Beijing and and on sightseeing trips is available for an additional $750)
Meals - $600 (approximately)
Travel expenses, outside of organized events, and miscellaneous expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, gifts and entertainment are not included in total costs.
Financial Aid
Students may finance all or part of their costs with student loans obtained through the financial aid offices of their home schools. Indiana University will provide supporting documents.
Guest Travelers
Friends or family of participating students can apply to attend the program at a rate of $25 per day, plus travel, and hotel expenses if they take the organized trip to Shanghai.
Applications
You may download an application in PDF format and print it using Adobe® Reader®.
Please mail applications to:
Shari Baldwin
Summer Study Abroad Law Programs Coordinator
Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis
530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
e-mail: ssbaldwi@iupui.edu
March 1, 2008 is the application deadline. Each application must be accompanied by a $250 deposit (applied toward teh total Program fees - non-refundable unless the the applicant is not accepted or the program is cancelled) and a letter from the Dean of the applicant's law school certifying good academic standing, or evidence of good standing to practice law in an American or foreign jurisdiction.
April 2, 2008 is the deadline for the balance of payment: Paymen may be made via credit card through this site (available 11/1/07) or via check. Make checks payable to "Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis."
Enrollment is limited and eligible applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, early application is advised.
Travel and Preparation
- Travel and visa information is available from Indiana University's Program Director, Professor Robert Lancaster: rlancast@iupui.edu. However, program participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements and obtain their own visas. Indiana University will provide participants with visa documents from Renmin University for assistance in visa procurement.
- Participants may arrive at Renmin University as early as May 21, 2008 and depart as late as June 23, 2008. Indiana University will assist participants who wish to make arrangements for earlier arrival or later departure.
- Participants are strongly encouraged to consult travel guides and/or other sources to inform themselves about life and culture in contemporary China.
- Each participant should consult a physician well in advance of departure to determine whether immunizations or medications are recommended.
Neither Indiana University nor Renmin University will be responsible for personal injury, illness or property damage or loss. Participants should consider purchasing health insurance, insurance for lost or damaged luggage and trip cancellation insurance.
For more information, including contact information for prior program participants, contact:
Shari Baldwin
Summer Study Abroad Law Programs Coordinator
Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis
530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
e-mail: ssbaldwi@iupui.edu
Quotes from Previous Program Participants:
“Overall, the program was a fantastic success. The information presented was timely and well prepared. The level of proficiency in English demonstrated by the professors and staff was extraordinary.”
“The program was great. Not only did I learn a great deal, but I had a lot of fun.”
“The Program exceeded my expectations.”
“I would certainly recommend the Program to others. It has been a great and certainly valuable experience.”
General Information From and About China
Business
- Chinese Business World: http://www.cbw.com/
- Development Research Center: http://www.drcnet.com.cn/Drcnet.channel.web/english/index.aspx
- China Economic Net: http://en.ce.cn/main/index.shtml
- Ministry of Commerce of PRC Invest in China
- Job Searching China Human Resource
China Studies
- Indiana University East Asian Studies Center
- The Best Search Engine for Chinese Materials China East View
China (General)
- China Daily.com: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/home/biznews.html
- SINA: http://english.sina.com/index.html
- http://en.ndrc.gov.cn/
- People's Daily Online: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/
- SOHU.com: http://english.sohu.com/
- Beijing: Beijing International: http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/
Law
- Washburn University School of Law Library - People's Republic of China.
- http://www.civillaw.com.cn/en/
- Institute of Law of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences: http://www.iolaw.org.cn/en/
- Law Info China: http://www.lawinfochina.com/index.asp
- China Court Organization – Sponsored by the Supreme Court of China
- Chinese Law – A Library for Chinese Law in English, with Alphabetical List and Search Engine
- Isino Law – A database for Chinese Laws and Regulations
Music
- University of North Carolina's Sunsite FTP Music files.
News
- China News Digest China-related news and information services, including a Map of China.
Science
- China Home Page The Institute of High Energy Physics, Beijing (IHEP) for public scientific, technical, and business information about China.
Travel
- http://english.bjta.gov.cn/
- http://www.cnta.gov.cn/lyen/index.asp
- Beijing: Beijing Tour , Travel Map of Beijing, Detailed Map for Beijing Subway
- Shanghai: Shang Tour , Travel Map of Shanghai, Detailed Map for Shanghai Subway
- Xi’an: Xi’an Tour , Travel Map of Xi’an
- Hotel Reservation and Other Travel Information:
- China Trip – Flight and Hotel Information
- Muztagh Travel Service - Hotel Reservation
- E Long Travel – Introduction to Cities in China
