Chinese Law Summer Program
May 22 - June 20, 2009
Priority Application for the Chinese Law
Summer Program has been closed.
If you are still interested in applying to this Program, please contact Sharon Baldwin (ssbaldwi@iupui.edu)
Prof. Gerard Magliocca, Co-DirectorProf. Lloyd Wilson, Co-Director
Program Overview
The Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis offers a 4 week/5 credit summer study 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, internationally recognized as one of China's premier law schools. Classes are taught in English by Chinese faculty who are experts in their field.
Classes meet in the mornings, which leaves the afternoons and weekends free for study, sightseeing, or language instruction. In addition to classroom instruction, 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. The Program cost also includes sightseeing trips to major cultural attractions in and around Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall.
Any interested law student in good standing is invited to attend. Applications from attorneys and from non-law students are also welcome. Students from all over the United States, Canada, and other foreign countries have participated in this Program.
Indiana University - A Tradition of Summer Law Study in China
The Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis pioneered summer law study programs in China. In 1987 the Law School 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 the Law School 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.
This program is the only 4 week/5 credit course of study in Beijing that focuses on the legal aspects of China's emerging market economy, the increasing opportunities for trade and investment, 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 over 20 countries. Renmin University is a modern, air-conditioned, technologically sophisticated 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, to its dispute resolution mechanisms, and to the lawyering system of China. To convey 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 afternoons for study and sightseeing.
In addition to classroom lectures and discussions, a student’s 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. A final 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. 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 Square is flanked on the east by the National Museum of History and on the west by 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 that 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. Students may choose to travel to other cities in China or to other countries in the region.
Academic and CLE Credit
This program is fully accredited by the American Bar Association. Students earn five credit hours for successfully completing the program. By special arrangement with the 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 consult with their home law schools about transferability of credits. Members of the Indiana Bar may enroll in all or part of the program for up and earn 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 Fee, 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, a television, and a telephone. The rooms should also have internet access.
Restaurants, a post office, convenience stores, athletic fields, basketball courts, and other amenities are located within the campus gates. There are also a large number of restaurants and shops around the Renmin campus. Students can take meals at campus restaurants or sample local cuisine in inexpensive neighborhood restaurants, which offer a wide variety of dishes in every price range. Additionally, western "fast food" restaurants can be found within walking distance of the university.
Program Fees / Cost
Program Fees - $3,490 plus any relevant tuition charges by your school.
The Program Fee includes classroom instruction by Renmin faculty, health insurance, housing (double occupancy), field trips, and scheduled sightseeing activities.
Students are responsible for transportation to Beijing. Single occupancy for housing is available for an additional charge. Tuition costs are decided by your academic institution.
Meals
Meals are not included in the Program Fee. The cost of meals obviously varies from student to student, depending on preferences. A per diem rate of $20 to $25 per day ($600 to $750 for thirty days) is perhaps a reasonable figure for budgeting purposes.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Travel expenses, outside of organized events, and miscellaneous expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, gifts, and entertainment are not included in the Program Fee.
Financial Aid
Students may choose to finance all or part of their expenses with student loans obtained through the financial aid offices of their home schools. Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis will provide supporting documents.
Guest Travelers
Friends or family of participating students can apply to attend the program on a non-credit basis at a rate of $25 per day. Minimum fee of $250 applies. Scheduled field trips are included in the Guest Fee. Hotel accommodations are available for guests at the same rate charged to participating students.
Submit an Application
Priority Applications Due March 1st; General Application Date: March 15th
You may download an application in PDF format and print it using Adobe® Reader®.
Please mail applications to:
Sharon 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, 2009, is the application deadline. Each application must be accompanied by a $300 deposit and a letter from the Registrar, or similar administrator, of the applicant's law school certifying that the student is currently in good academic standing. Non-law students should provide similar evidence of good academic standing and attorneys should provide evidence that they are in good standing to practice law in an American or foreign jurisdiction. The application fee will be applied toward the Program Fee and is non-refundable unless the the applicant is not accepted or the Program is cancelled.
April 1, 2009, is the deadline for the balance of payment: Payment may be made via credit card through this site 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 the Program’s Co-Directors, Professor Gerard Magliocca, gmaglioc@iupui.edu, and Professor Lloyd Wilson, ltwilson@iupui.edu. However, program participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for obtaining their own visas. The Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis will provide participants with documents from Renmin University that will facilitate visa procurement.
- Participants may arrive at Renmin University as early as May 20, 2009, and may depart as late as June 22, 2009. The School of Law will also 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.
Summer Study Abroad Law Programs Coordinator:
Sharon Baldwin
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
