The following courses may be offered:
US-China Relations
The relationship of the United States and China dates from 19th century imperialism, deep involvement in the Chinese civil war, direct conflict over Korea, Cold War confrontation in the 1950s and 1960s, to close strategic and economic partnership after 1972. This course will provide students with a historical perspective on this relationship and examine in detail the contemporary issues and problems in U.S.-China interactions. These will include: Taiwan, North Korea and Japan, deepening trade and financial relations, competition over global energy, competing views on global problems such as global warming and human rights, and adjusting to shifting power relationships. Students will have ample opportunities for experiential learning by interviewing their counterparts and other Chinese about their views of the U.S., and U.S. and China relations.
Politics & Society
China has experienced extraordinary levels of political, economic and social turmoil coupled with breathtaking change over the past century. The end of a dynasty, a civil war, invasion and occupation, revolutionary modernization and extreme political difficulties, radical reversal from communism to a version of capitalism, and extraordinary rates of economic growth resulting from rapid integration into the world economy: all this and more in the space of 100 years. This course is designed to introduce students to contemporary China with an overview of these developments and a more detailed look at current social, political, economic and environmental issues.
Chinese History & Culture
This course provides students an overview of Chinese history and culture, tracing the evolution of Chinese history and culture from ancient times to present. The overview of Chinese history delineates a clear story line from ancient times to present, which serves as a contextual framework for discussing major themes and topics of Chinese culture. The themes and topics on Chinese culture include formation and evolution of Chinese identity, Chinese political, economic and social systems, Chinese philosophical and religious traditions, Chinese education system, Chinese literature and arts and major Chinese customs and habits. As the course is conducted in China, a strong field study component is added to supplement the classroom teaching.
Chinese Business & Economic Development
This course focuses on the economic and business environments in China and how they influence companies doing business there. Designed to provide the students with an overseas learning experience about the international business environment of China, and the Shanghai area in particular, this course grounds the classroom learning with opportunities to engage with Chinese businesses to see how it works in the real world. In addition, each student will build an in depth knowledge of the business and economic aspects which affect investment strategies, entrepreneurship opportunities, and technological development in China. Shanghai’s expansion directly correlates to its resurgence as an economic powerhouse. For this reason, a basic understanding of how this happened and what it means for the future is key for business students, but helpful for any degree program. This course can also be required to prepare students for their industry-related internship in China.
Chinese Film
This course will explore from a cinematic perspective Chinese historical and contemporary social issues through some of the most critically acclaimed films of Mainland Chinese cinema.
China & the Environment
China is simultaneously one of the “blackest” and one of the “greenest” countries in the world. While being one of the largest emitters of “greenhouse gasses” they are also leading the world in “clean” energy development and policies. The country faces a legacy of communist era environmental neglect and degradation. Additionally, thirty years of breakneck development have added enormous challenges in managing water resources, desertification, overdevelopment, air quality, etc. China’s policies and how it deals with these issues has implications for all nations.
Mandarin Chinese
Intensive Mandarin Chinese language courses for all levels from beginning to advanced. Focus is on all aspects of language acquisition: reading, writing, speaking, listening. (Additionally, there are mandatory 1-on-1 tutorials two hours weekly.)