Curriculum

  • This summer program offers five credits of course work -- one credit optional clinical program work or one credit of optional internship work. The total number of credits earned will not exceed six credits.

  • The program provides students with an understanding of the Chinese legal system, the PRC’s domestic and foreign economic laws, and the role of Chinese and foreign lawyers in implementing those laws.

  • All major areas of Chinese substantive law are covered. Past students who have found rewarding employment in China will discuss career opportunities for foreign lawyers.

  • Students who satisfactorily complete the program receive five hours of ABA-approved credit and a certificate of completion. A Pass/Fail grading system will be used for Duquesne University students. The grading system for all other students is as follows:

Grade

Quality Points
A+ 4.00
A 4.00
A- 3.67
B+ 3.33
B 3.00
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00 Passing
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.00
F 0.00 Failure

Topics Covered

  • Orientation on Chinese Language, Culture & History
  • Introduction to the Current Chinese Legal System
  • Chinese Legal History
  • Constitutional Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Civil Law and Procedures
  • Real Property Law
  • Company Law
  • Foreign Investment Law
  • Human Rights in China
  • Foreign Trade Law
  • China and WTO
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Labor Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Tax Law
  • Family Law
  • Lawyers' Law
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Criminal Law
  • Banking Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Evidence Law and Forensic Science
  • Bankruptcy Law
  • Internet Law
  • Immigration Law

Clinical Program

  • Participants may enroll in a one-week Labor Law or Intellectual Property Law Clinic from May 28 to May June 1. There are ten spaces available in each clinic.
  • Participants work in “store front” law offices or in law firms with CUPL law students and attend lectures, go on field trips and meet with clients – i.e., Chinese citizens who cannot afford to pay a lawyer for legal services.
  • There is a $150 fee for participation in a clinic. Students are awarded one pass/fail credit

Internships

  • A number of internships in major Beijing law firms are available for participants. The internships commence at the conclusion of the course program for a period of two weeks.

  • There is a $150 fee for participation. Students are awarded one pass/fail credit.

Prof. Liu teaching

 

The Classroom: Beijing

All course work classes are held in the mornings, so students are free to explore Beijing in the afternoons and on weekends.  CUPL's campus is within a short commute of Tianamen Square, the Great Hall of the People, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.  Students are able to travel freely around the city, walk Beijing's historic streets and neighborhoods, and meet its citizens.  Beijing, the magnet city that draws people from all of China's provinces, provides an unparalleled opportunity to "experience" this vast and diverse nation.  Optional tours to Xian and Shanghai may be arranged for additional charges.

Orientation on Chinese Language, Culture and History

Included in the program is a Chinese language and culture course covering:

  • Chinese customs
  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Major historical sites
  • Basic conversational Chinese

This class will held on the morning of Friday, June 1.

Classroom

The classroom is newly renovated and is equipped with electrical outlets for laptops. However, because China uses 220V outlets, an adapter may be necessary and can be purchased locally and inexpensively.

Course Materials

The course materials will be prepared by the Duquesne and CUPL faculty members who will be teaching in the program. These materials include primary source documents and law review articles. Each student will receive a set of these course materials without charge prior to departure for Beijing.