This is a 400-level History course offered by UBC’s Department of History Professor Henry Yu (Principal of St. John’s College), in partnership with Hong Kong University (HKU) Department of Urban Planning and Design Instructor Christina Lo, Assistant Professor Cecilia Chu, and the Shanghai Study Centre. Students will explore different perspectives on the urban forms, geographies, cultures and histories of Vancouver, Hong Kong and Shanghai through rich, city-specific coursework that will include field trips, workshops, lectures, and guest speakers. The program intends to encourage students to develop and refine their respective writing, research, project management, film and team work skills. In addition, UBC students will have the opportunity to meet, learn from, and work with HKU students. This is ideal for anyone looking for a short yet rewarding academic, social, and travel exchange experience.

Coursework will include a combination of lectures by Professor Henry Yu (Vancouver), Professor Cecilia Chu (Hong Kong), and relevant guests; course readings that feature Vancouver, Hong Kong and Shanghai as focal points of study; group discussions; individual weekly journal assignments; field visits around each respective city; workshops; and a final project (paper + film).

General timeline

The program will run May 11 – Jun 19, 2015. Below is a rough itinerary; the details of our travel plans in June are subject to change.

May 11-29: Lectures by Professor Henry Yu at UBC

May 29- May 31: Class travels to Hong Kong

June 1-11: Lectures, Workshops and Field studies at Hong Kong University (HKU). Students will go on a day trip to Macau.

June 12-19: Lectures, Workshops, Field Studies at the Shanghai Studies Centre

Eligibility and prerequisites

This program is suitable for students second year and up from a variety of majors, not limited to the Faculty of Arts. Students should have a genuine interest in the course material prior to taking part in this program. Graduating students may also apply.