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. (Fall)
Chinese Business & Economic Development (Doing Business in China)
(Syllabus)
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.
(Fall, Spring)
(Syllabus)
The arts are all around us, yet we give our environment little heed. What makes a work of art a masterpiece? What importance do the arts have for us personally and civilization as a whole? What is the role of the artist in society? What do we as citizens and what do our governments expect of the artist? Through the activities in this class, including attendance at various concerts, plays, and visits to art galleries, the student will begin to develop more insight into and a personal philosophy of the value and importance of the arts. (Offered Fall 2011)
International Business: The Music Industry
(Syllabus)
The music industry is global, with porous borders between countries. This course is designed to familiarize the student with the many aspects of business and technology associated with the contemporary global music industry. Topics covered will include: important historical aspects, MIDI, notation, royalties, web applications, marketing, recording techniques, and common music business structuring. Guest artists and visits to local studios will also enhance the student’s knowledge of applicable topics.
(Offered Fall 2011)
Writing About China
(Syllabus)
Definitions of “globalization” range from the simple to the hopelessly complex, but in its most general sense, globalization refers to the flow of goods, services, money, and ideas across national borders, resulting in the integration of the global economy. But does the global economy end up integrated? Who are the real winner and losers in globalization? In the case of China, how has globalization affected everyday life and Chinese culture? In this course, we examine globalization from anthropological and literary standpoints: that is, we will attempt to understand how globalization affects people, and how we can write about and express our experiences with contemporary Chinese culture. We will study the experiences of Chinese citizens through narrative accounts written by both Chinese and foreigners, then write our own accounts. Fieldwork projects will require you to explore Chinese culture and then produce your own narrative accounts. By the end of this course, you will gain a better understanding of how “globalization” is experienced on the ground, and you will write about and reflect upon your own experiences with global China. Globalization is not an abstract process but one rooted in real historical events that profoundly affect our world today.
(Offered Fall 2011)
Mandarin Chinese Language
Intensive Mandarin Chinese language courses for all levels from beginning to advanced. Focus is on all aspects of language acquisition: reading, writing, speaking, listening.
(Fall, Spring, Summer)
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. (Fall)
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. (Fall)
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.
Chinese Calligraphy
(Offered as afternoon elective if 6 or more students are interested.)
Chinese Landscape Painting
(Offered as afternoon elective if 6 or more students are interested.)
Tai Ji
Offered as afternoon elective if 6 or more students are interested.)