A Unique New Undergraduate Major at Cornell University
Gabriel Lopez ’06, Policy Analyst, American Chamber of Commerce, China
...I now realize how fortunate the CAPS students are to be given the opportunity to interact with the leading experts on China, work with some of the most influential and dynamic players in China, and have such a unique network of contacts at their disposal. The skills and contacts they acquire along the way will pave their China successes in the future.
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The three towers-Cornell University's McGraw Tower, Washington D.C.'s Washington Monument, and Peking University's Boya Tower - are landmarks on the three sites where students will pursue Cornell’s unique new undergraduate major in China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS).
CAPS is a program designed to train future leaders who are equipped to address the inevitable challenges and negotiate the delicate complexities in US-China relations. With four years of intensive Chinese language training and two semesters of externships in Washington D.C. and Beijing respectively, the unique and ambitious program offers CAPS majors unprecedented pre-professional training mapped onto a solid Cornell liberal arts education.
CAPS majors will be in high demand for entry- or higher – level positions in consultancies and other businesses, government and public service, diplomacy and journalism, financial services, etc. An undergraduate CAPS degree also readily prepares one for graduate study in law, business and other disciplines with a focus on China.
The first CAPS majors (Class of ’08) began taking courses in the fall of 2005. By the time they graduate in May 2008, they will have studied three years in Ithaca, one semester in Washington, D.C., and one semester in Beijing.
Aims of the CAPS Major
- A rigorous Cornell liberal arts education
- Four years of Intensive Chinese Language Training
- Critical skills through on-campus as well as off-campus courses in history, politics, society, economics, and foreign relations
- Professional experience with some of the most influential and dynamic practitioners with China related experience