Admissions | ‘Theories and Methods of Cultural Heritage in Urban and Rural Built Environments: Basin Civilisations’ Peking University Summer School Programme
To foster interaction and exchange among outstanding postgraduate students and young academics across national universities, the ‘Theories and Methods of Cultural Heritage in Urban and Rural Built Environments: Basin Civilisations’ Peking University Summer School Programme is scheduled to take place from 10th to 20th July 2024. This programme forms part of Peking University Graduate School's ‘Postgraduate Education Innovation Scheme’. It is hosted by the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture / Centre for Research on Basin Human Settlements at Peking University, in collaboration with the Basin Spatial Planning Branch of the Chinese Society for Urban Planning, the Engineering Innovation Centre for Cultural Heritage Protection and Regeneration in Territorial Spaces under the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Basin-Specific Built Environment. Professor Wang Fang serves as the programme director.
Course Overview
The developmental trajectory and defining characteristics of Chinese civilisation are intrinsically linked to its watershed environments. Examining the relationship between watershed civilisation and geographical context provides a crucial entry point for elucidating the profound heritage and contemporary vitality of Chinese civilisation. National strategic priorities increasingly emphasise comprehensive watershed conservation and high-quality development of urban-rural systems, as evidenced by policy frameworks for regions including the Yellow River Basin, Yangtze River Economic Belt, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Legislation such as the Yellow River Protection Law and Yangtze River Protection Law emphasise strengthening watershed environmental conservation while inheriting and promoting distinctive regional cultures.
This summer school programme centres on ‘Watershed Civilisation and Hydraulic Engineering’, examining the intricate human-water relationship from multiple perspectives. It explores achieving human-water equilibrium, harnessing water for prosperity, and establishing harmonious coexistence to create secure, liveable settlements. By establishing an interdisciplinary platform for basin civilisation and water engineering, the programme will trace historical roots and draw on ancient wisdom for contemporary applications. It will guide participants in understanding basin civilisation through research and practice, fostering the development of sustainable human-water environments. Classroom instruction combines lectures with student seminars, encouraging independent research and enhancing participants' analytical and critical thinking skills.
Course History
2024 marks the fourth year of Peking University's Summer School programme ‘Theories and Methods of Cultural Heritage in Built Urban and Rural Environments: Watershed Civilisation’. Since its inaugural session in 2021, the course has enrolled over 400 formal participants from institutions including the University of Cambridge, the University of Pennsylvania, and Tsinghua University. The programme consistently ranks among the top live-streamed humanities and social sciences courses on Bilibili, and has been featured in media outlets including the China Social Sciences News, Peking University's official website homepage, and the university's official Weibo account.
Faculty
This summer programme will feature distinguished scholars from fields including urban and rural planning, hydrology and water resources, archaeology, and heritage conservation as guest lecturers. They will present the latest developments and research findings within their respective disciplines. These lecturers possess extensive experience working on watershed-related projects, and their diverse academic backgrounds reflect the interdisciplinary nature of this field, spanning the humanities, sciences, and engineering.
Teaching Schedule
The summer school programme is scheduled to run from 10th to 20th July. Each session will last half a day, delivered by an invited expert, with the final session dedicated to a concluding presentation and thematic discussion. The exact number of sessions and specific timings will be formally announced prior to commencement, following coordination with the lecturers.
Teaching Format
In accordance with Peking University's summer school requirements, this programme will adopt a blended learning approach combining online and in-person delivery. Professors will deliver lectures in person. Online access will be available to registered participants (subject to lecturer approval, online access may be extended to the public). In-person attendance is open to both registered participants and members of the public who have applied.
1) Lectures: Instruction on knowledge related to river basin civilisations and water engineering, analysing topics in water utilisation, water heritage, and water security;
2) Literature Review: Two academic papers will be provided after each session, guiding participants in reading relevant research outcomes on river basin civilisations and water engineering;
3) Classroom Discussions: Faculty-led exchanges where participants articulate perspectives on critical and contentious issues within the field.
Course Completion Requirements
1) Attendance rate must not fall below 90% of scheduled sessions;
2) Independent completion of a final report (minimum 3,000 words) and a reflective essay (minimum 300 words) on course-related themes.
Target Participants
Applications are welcome from postgraduate students and early-career academics in urban and rural planning, hydrology and water resources, archaeology, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, cultural heritage, and related disciplines. Final enrolment will be capped at 200 participants. Those meeting all course requirements will receive a certificate of completion from Peking University Graduate School's Summer School programme.
Fees
This summer school programme operates on a non-profit basis. All costs related to teaching staff and venue provision are covered by the organising body; participants are not required to pay any fees. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation, meals, and travel arrangements. Assistance with obtaining a Peking University canteen meal card can be provided upon request.
Application Process
1) Application Period: From now until 18:00 on 26 June 2024;
2) Application Method: Both steps below must be completed:
- Scan the questionnaire QR code to complete the application form; - Download the participant application form via the ‘Read More’ link at the end of this notice, fill it out completely, and send it to ual_sq2024@163.com. Email subject lines must follow the format: ‘Name-Organisation-Summer School Application’;
3) Admission Notification: Provisionally accepted participants will be notified by telephone or email by 30 June 2024. Applicants not receiving notification by this date shall be deemed unsuccessful and will receive no further communication.
Administrative Requirements
1) All information provided by applicants must be truthful and valid. Should any false information be discovered, the organising body reserves the right to revoke the applicant's study eligibility, course certificates, and other related entitlements;
2) Participants must comply with Peking University's relevant regulations and adhere to all arrangements pertaining to this summer school programme.
