China in Transition explores the topics of modernity and sustainability from the perspectives of four disciplines: economics, sociology, politics and law, and environment. It examines the interactive and restricted relations among these areas, combining lectures with group discussions, and incorporating both research and field studies. Team work and independent research are both important components of the course. Students are encouraged to design field studies themselves, and to carry out team academic research projects in various regions of China.

In this course, all students travel to Sichuan and Chongqing for a week-long study trip led by professors from different disciplines. By visiting historical and cultural sites as well as modern industrial parks, scholars learn about the transformation and development of Sichuan and Chongqing from perspectives such as history, architecture, religion, customs, and modern economic growth. During the field study trip, students not only deepen their understanding of ancient Chinese culture and history, but also experience traces of innovation and development in contemporary China.

The Topics in China Studies Lecture Series invites renowned scholars from China and abroad to deliver talks on issues related to China Studies, ranging across the social sciences and humanities. The course is question-oriented, and employs interdisciplinary knowledge and methodologies to spark meaningful discussions and academic dialogue.

All international Yenching Scholars enroll in Chinese language courses taught by faculty of the Peking University School of Chinese as a Second Language. Students attend small group classes according to their levels of Chinese. The course focuses on application of language knowledge, improving communicative competence across contexts, and developing reading and writing abilities. It also aims to help students improve their intercultural communication awareness and capabilities.

Quantitative Reasoning 

Academic Writing

Qualitative Research Method

Leadership Development

Reading Classical Chinese Literature

Contemporary Chinese and American Fiction in Comparative Perspective

Art of China

Development of Chinese Civilization

Ethnographies of Modern Education: China and Beyond

History of the Field: Sinology and China Studies from a Global Perspective

Critical Conceptions of Chinese Thoughts

Chinese Classics and Thought: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism

Chinese World Views

Contemporary Chinese Society

The Legal Dynamics of Chinese Commerce and Society

Women in Contemporary China

Understanding Social Inequality: China and the World 

China and International Law 

Social Stratification and Mobility in China

Chinese Frontier Societies: A Socio-historical Approach

Critical Perspectives on Modern Sino-Foreign Relations

Chinese Population

China's Financial System

The Economic Thinking of Chinese Entrepreneurs

China and the World Economy: A Macroeconomic Perspective

International Trade

China's Economic Reform and Development

Rural China Studies (Taught in Chinese)

China in the World Economy: Han Dynasty to the Present

China's Diplomacy and Global Governance in the New Era

Theory and Practice of Chinese Foreign Policy

Cultural Dimensions of China's Foreign Relations

Chinese Perspective on Global Migration

Retrospect and Prospect of International Development Cooperation in China

Reforms in China: Theory and Policy

Chinese Politics in Historical Perspective (Taught in Chinese)