The Human Journey Into Space

PROGRAM DATES

August 2 - 7, 2026

TUITION

18,500 RMB /
2,950 USD

WHO CAN APPLY

High School Students

LANGUAGE

English

Overview

This proposed summer program for high school students introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of space studies. Space studies at DKU integrates astronomy, cosmology, philosophy, art, and literature. It examines the complexities of outer space exploration and its interaction with broader realms of human activity. In the program, students explore the nature of the observable universe, and examine the cultural and scientific impacts of space exploration. Space studies is a multidisciplinary field built for curious minds who want to connect science with real-world discovery.

Weather permitting, students will also learn astronomical observing at the DKU observatory.

Learning Outcomes

Develop interdisciplinary critical thinking by analyzing space exploration through scientific, philosophical, and cultural lenses.
Gain insight into the current theoretical understanding of the universe and the frontier of astronomical observations.
Articulate connections and tensions between theoretical concepts and empirical investigations in modern astronomy.
Synthesize insights from different perspectives (e.g., science fiction, cosmologies, cinema) in group projects.
Articulate connections between theoretical concepts (e.g., montage, astronomy-天文 and humanities 人文) and real-world applications (e.g., short-film making through montage, AI in astronomy)

Program Highlights

An Invitation to Einstein's Universe

Gain a basic understanding of our fundamental theory of the universe and the beautiful mathematics of spacetime, in the sessions on Gravity and Light: A History of Einstein’s Theory and On Hills and Dales: Mathematics of Gravitational Lensing.

Observing the Wonders of the Universe

Learn about observational astronomy and one of its most important recent breakthroughs in the sessions on Astronomical Observing and Duke Kunshan Observatory and A New Sky: From Gravitational Waves to AI.

Stargazing & Observational Astronomy

Stargazing and Cosmos-Cinema: explore the rich history of the cinematic exploration of space and cosmos-metaphors of cinematic art; learn to understand the basics of montage.
Fieldwork: Document observations through sketches, hands-on montage and/or photography for a class exhibition.

Human Perspectives on Space

Analyze The Autobiographies of Astronauts alongside Chinese and Anglophone Science Fiction and Cosmology in Traditional Chinese Philosophy to compare scientific and cultural narratives.
Explore the connection between “the text of the Cosmos” (astronomy or天文) and “the text of humanities (人文)
Group project: Create a short film or podcast exploring how different cultures imagine space exploration.

Global Astroculture

Debate Astroculture in Global Perspective through case studies (e.g., NASA’s Mars missions vs. China’s lunar program).
Panel discussion: Feature students presenting on space ethics, colonialism, or art inspired by the cosmos.