Notice of Application for the 2023 National Excellent Undergraduate Summer Camp of the School of Marxism, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
The School of Marxism at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS) was established in October 2017. It is a secondary college specialized in teaching and scientific research in disciplines related to Marxist theory. The School is responsible for teaching Ideological and Political Theory courses [1] to all undergraduate and graduate students across the university, as well as the teaching, research, talent cultivation, admissions, employment, and student management for two undergraduate majors: Marxist Theory and Ideological and Political Education. In September 2020, through the deep integration of the Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the university's School of Marxism, a "research-education integration" [2] college was constructed. Professor Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Academy of Marxism (CASS), serves as the Dean. The School possesses a formidable faculty, including five Honorary Members of the CASS [3] and four Members of the CASS; twelve Distinguished Professors, fifteen Permanent Professors, over forty teachers in distinguished posts, forty-five undergraduate academic mentors, and 113 doctoral supervisors for the "Marxist Backbone" program [4]. Relying on the School’s resources, several institutions have been established, including the Ministry of Education's Center for Innovation and Development of Ideological and Political Work in Universities, the Beijing Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center, the Higher Institute of 21st Century Contemporary Chinese Marxism, and the Higher Institute of Ideological and Political Education.
In terms of research-education integration and talent cultivation, the School of Marxism adheres to high standards and high levels, creates high-tier platforms, and sets high objectives. The mission of serving as a strong fortress for Marxist theory and a base for cultivating high-level talent has been consistent throughout [5]. A background in top-tier academic research, extensive experience in cultivating high-level talent in the philosophy and social sciences, and the goal of building a first-class socialist liberal arts university constitute the solid foundation for the School’s development and the cultivation of talent under the mission of "cultivating virtue and nurturing people" (li de shu ren) [6].
To promote exchange among outstanding university students across the country, enhance students' understanding of the School of Marxism at UCASS, and select excellent undergraduates to continue their studies as Master’s students in related majors at our university, the School intends to hold an "Outstanding University Student Summer Camp" in late July or early August 2023. We enthusiastically welcome applications from all students!
I. Activity Time and Format
- Time: Late July or early August
- Format: Conducted online (specific methods will be announced separately)
II. Application Requirements Applicants must have a strong interest in fields such as the Basic Tenets of Marxism, the History of Marxist Development, Ideological and Political Education, and Party Building. They should intend to pursue academic Master’s degrees in Scientific Socialism and the International Communist Movement, Basic Tenets of Marxism, History of Marxist Development, Research on the Sinicization of Marxism, Ideological and Political Education, or Party Building. Applicants should possess strong independent research abilities and comprehensive capacities for analysis and problem-solving, and must meet the following conditions:
- Uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China, uphold the socialist system, and be willing to serve socialist modernization; possess good moral character, be law-abiding, and be in good health.
- Applicants must be full-time third-year undergraduate students (Class of 2024). In principle, they should be students majoring in Marxist Theory or Ideological and Political Education; however, outstanding students from other related disciplines are also welcome to apply cross-professionally.
- The applicant's average Grade Point Average (GPA) for the first five semesters of undergraduate study should rank approximately in the top 20% of their major, and they should be expected to obtain the qualification for "recommendation for admission" (baoyan) [7]. For those who meet any of the following conditions, the GPA ranking requirements may be appropriately relaxed: ① Have conducted research in a certain aspect of their undergraduate major and have publicly published scientific research papers or works related to the applied major that reach a high level; ② Participated in social practice activities and wrote an investigation report of significant value; ③ Won awards in national academic activities in their professional field; ④ Studied at a well-known overseas university for one year or more.
- Good English proficiency. In principle, English proficiency must meet any one of the following: ① National College English Test Band 4 (CET-4) score of 550 or above, or National College English Test Band 6 (CET-6) score of 425 or above; ② TOEFL score of 85 or above; ③ IELTS score of 6.0 or above.
- Candidates for "small world languages" (minor languages) such as Japanese, Russian, German, French, or Vietnamese must provide passing certificates or qualified transcripts from national-level language examinations (organized by China or the respective country), with scores equivalent to the CET-6 level.
III. Application Materials
- One copy of the Summer Camp Application Form (download and fill in the attachment);
- One copy of the applicant’s Identity Card and Student ID;
- One copy of undergraduate transcripts (must be stamped by the academic affairs department);
- One copy of a Personal Statement and Research Plan;
- One copy each of other supporting materials (such as papers, award or qualification certificates, CET-4/6 transcripts, or other English test results);
- One copy of the Summer Camp Registration Statistics Table (download and fill in the attachment).
IV. Application Procedures Applicants should arrange the application materials in order, merge them into a single PDF document (the Registration Statistics Table does not need to be merged), and send it to mxy-ucass@cass.org.cn. File name: Summer Camp Registration—Applicant Name—Applicant University. The deadline for receiving application materials is July 15, 2023, at 4:00 PM.
V. Admission Procedures This summer camp plans to recruit approximately 60 participants. The School will organize experts to conduct preliminary qualification screenings and determine the list of camp participants based on merit. The results of the review will be notified to the selected applicants via email, phone, or SMS. Those not selected will not be notified separately.
VI. Contact Information Contact Person: Teacher Ren Email: mxy-ucass@cass.org.cn Phone: 010-81360424
We sincerely welcome outstanding university students from across the country to apply for our School's summer camp! (Please download the Summer Camp Application Form and Registration Statistics Table in the attachments)
Attachment 1. Summer Camp Application Form Attachment 2. Summer Camp Registration Statistics Table