Ten Reasons to Come to the University of Michigan

Ten Reasons to come to the University of Michigan for Chinese Studies

Faculty   The University of Michigan boasts more than 30 faculty members in various departments and schools throughout the university who specialize in the study of China. This distinguished faculty forms an intellectual community fostering collaboration among humanists, social scientists and professionals in an environment appreciative of the interdependency of past and present. These instructors are readily accessible to students for mentoring and academic interchange.

Strong academic program   The Center for Chinese Studies' formal degrees include a Master's Program in Chinese Studies and dual degrees with the UM Law School, UM Ross School of Business and UM Ford School of Public Policy. CCS does not offer a Doctoral degree, however PhD students from various departments at the university are affiliated with our center and benefit from funding opportunities, academic and social events and interaction with our faculty. CCS offers a two-semester interdisciplinary graduate seminar in Chinese Studies and our faculty teach China-related courses every term, as well as summer courses at Peking University. Graduates of the MA programs pursue professional careers in a wide range of areas related to China, including international business and law, the media, the foreign service (and other governmental departments), international organizations, non-profit institutions, and institutions of higher education.

Activities and events   There are many opportunities to interact socially, as well as intellectually with the 70 plus graduate and professional school students university-wide who are engaged in the study of China. CCS sponsors a weekly noon lectures and research seminars that highlight new scholarship from around the world, film series, and an annual fall picnic and New Year's dinner.

Funding opportunities   The Center for Chinese Studies, International Institute and Rackham Graduate School offer a variety of funding opportunities, including language training, research support and conference travel awards for students engaged in Chinese Studies.

UM Office in China   The UM-PKU Joint Institute provides UM students in China with support and the staff there coordinate courses taught by UM faculty at Peking University during the summer and academic year.

The Center for Chinese Studies   The Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Michigan was founded in 1961 and has maintained its leading position among centers nationwide for more than 40 years. Situated within the International Institute, the mission of the Center is to provide students, specialists and the public at large with expert resources and a deeper understanding of issues ranging from today's headlines to time-honored questions of value and meaning. CCS collaborative projects, outreach initiatives, and the M.A. Program all make full use of the multiple disciplines and analytical perspectives promoted by the Center.

International Institute   The International Institute was established in 1993 to promote research, education, and service in international and area studies. By joining together academic, professional, and public domains, the International Institute uniquely serves the people and state of Michigan and helps to constitute a university of the world.

University of Michigan   Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan is one of only two public universities consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the US. UM's long history with China, dates back to 1880 when UM President James B. Angell served as US minister to China. Current UM president, Mary Sue Coleman visited China in 2005 and plans another visit during the summer of 2007 to strengthen the ties between UM and Chinese universities. UM has selected China and the World for the university-wide theme for 2007. During this year there will be university-wide events, lectures, courses and special presentations relating to China.

UM Resources on China   The UM Asia Library houses over 350,000 works in Chinese, making it one of the largest in the country. The UM Museum of Art has an extensive collection of Chinese art, including paintings, ceramics, stoneware, earthenware, jewelry, sculptures, and textiles from all periods. The current renovation plans of the UMMA include the construction of a new dedicated China gallery to be completed by 2009. This will facilitate major exhibitions to come to the UMMA. The China Data Center compiles on-line data on China, supports spatial and quantitative research in Chinese studies and promotes the use and sharing of Chinese data in teaching and research.

The City of Ann Arbor   Ann Arbor is the city surrounding the University of Michigan and is consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the United States. Ann Arbor is a peaceful, diverse community that is a unique blend of college town and modern dynamic city due in part to the high-tech industries, like Google that are located here. It is home to beautiful parks and recreational activities, museums, art galleries, great bookstores, jazz clubs, comedy clubs, experimental theater, the farmer's market, the Summer Art Fairs and an abundant selection of restaurants. It's close to airports and expressways as well as beautiful lakes: both "Great" and small! You'll discover that Ann Arbor is a great place in which to live, study, work and play. The Michigan Difference Campaign website has some excellent information and links for various services provided by the City of Ann Arbor.