As countless Western students of China have learned, it is a country that does not surrender itself to convenient analysis & easy understanding. Its reality only grudgingly reveals itself, tempting many into quick and inaccurate observations and opinions. Zhu Xi, a noted Chinese philosopher of the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1229), wrote: "The student must go to all things under Heaven, and after sufficient effort, the day will come when all things will suddenly become clear and intelligible."

It is in this spirit that our course is being offered. This year's field research course is a unique opportunity and is designed to explore and chronicle the spectacular physical and cultural geography of northwest China, a borderland where the realms of Tibet, Islam and Han China intersect.

Through a land of great contrasts and contradictions, we travel from the furthest reaches of the Great Wall to the great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, from the desert outposts of the Silk Road to the alpine grasslands and mountains of eastern Tibet.

En-route, important geographic, historic, and cultural hallmarks that help define the region's unique sense of place will be identified, studied and documented. Specific examples include agricultural systems, historic sites, sacred landscapes, and the art and architecture of ancient Buddhist caves, Tibetan temples and Islamic holy places. A range of assignments and research tasks will be offered. Some will be group activities while others will be a individual projects.

This field course will contribute to personal growth and overall education. For some, the experience in China may provide an excellent career focus, perhaps as inspiration and or preparation for graduate school or careers in business, teaching or NGO work.

Course Instructor: Tony Rossi
Website: Nathaniel Kelso