Course Objectives and Learning Targets

Set against a backdrop of great economic and social change, this field course is a unique opportunity to explore the spectacular physical and cultural landscape of northwest China; for centuries a dynamic borderland where the realms of Islam, Tibet and Han China intersect.

This course is designed as a field trip and as such will provide students with firsthand experience in geographical field research. A variety of methods will be used to identify and document many important geographical, historical and cultural elements that help define the region's unique sense of place. Specific assignments and field tasks will enable students to further develop a variety of college level skills and gain important technical expertise in different aspects of cartography, photography and journalism.

The goals of this course are twofold: the first is to provide a greater awareness of the land and peoples of China in general and in particular the distinctive physical and cultural characteristics of its northwest region; the second is to foster and develop specific geographical field research skills. By the successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Better understand China's social, economic and political complexities.
• Recognize the distinctive physical geography of the study region, including its climate, topography, landforms and agricultural systems.
• Understand the impact of China's rapid economic development on its historical and cultural legacy, in particular, the extent and impact of commercial tourism on China's traditional landscape.
• Identify significant examples of the distinctive art and architecture of the region, especially that of ancient Buddhist caves, Tibetan temples and Islamic holy places.
• Define a variety of sacred landscapes.
• Recognize regional ethnic identities and understand the historic and contemporary relationship and interaction between the various ethnic peoples of northwest China.
• Have collected a variety of primary source material that can be used in subsequent senior level geography projects.

Throughout the journey, reference materials, including photographs and maps, will help guide us in our study of contemporary China.