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Junior

JuniorThe third year program offers a range of options for students. The China Center offers the most stability and immersion. Students are based in Hangzhou where they take a two-semester sequence in the theory and practice of cultural study in China, independent study, Junior Research seminar, intensive language learning, and electives. Mandarin language takes up a large part of the year’s curriculum: fourteen credits. Three weeks are devoted to field trips, while independent study is arranged around the rest of the curriculum.

Offering greater mobility and breadth, the Comparative Religion and Culture Program is available to both juniors and sophomores. See Sophomore Program and Comparative Religion and Culture Program for a complete description. Juniors take an equivalent of the Junior Research seminar as part of the larger curriculum.

In the fall semester, juniors have the option of studying indigenous traditions and environmental sustainability in a program traveling through Ecuador and Peru. With the exception of two credits of independent study, the curriculum is the same for all students: courses in Latin American area studies, indigenous peoples, indigenous spirituality, environmental sustainability, art, and Spanish language. In addition to classroom learning, students will have opportunities for homestays and will engage in weekly site visits and field trips.

In the spring semester, juniors may choose to attend the Australia program that also focuses on indigenous peoples and environmental issues. The set curriculum includes courses on Australian peoples, environment, sustainability, Junior Research seminar, and independent study. Students also participate in a number of site visits and field trips integrated into their courses. 

Regardless of their choices, students use the Junior Research seminar or an equivalent to prepare for their senior-year Independent Study Semester (see Senior Program). As part of that seminar, students receive guidelines for preparing their Independent Study Semester Proposal (due towards the end of the second semester of the junior year) to be approved by their advisor as well as the director of the center that will oversee their Independent Study Semester.

Also in the second semester of the junior year, students choose their Area of Concentration (see B.A. Degree Program).

China Center
Comparative Religion and Culture Program
Australia Program