Course Syllabus – Final Draft
Spring, 2002
(last modified 1/07/02)
Instructor: Gary P. Mahan, Ph.D.
Instructor's Office: A. J. Palumbo Center (PC), Room 2212, which is located on the north west side of the second floor near the exit to the roof of the parking deck and in the same vicinity as the offices of the Foreign Language instructors.
Instructor's Office Hours. Tuesday – Thursday, 1:30 – 5:30 (Since meetings are sometimes scheduled during office hours, appointments are advised.)
Instructor’s E-mail Address: mahan@gannon.edu.
Instructor's Office Phone Number: (814) 871-7588. If there is no answer when called, allow to ring six times in order to leave a message on the voice mailbox answering (VMX) system which the instructor checks frequently when he is out of the office. If a student wishes a call to be returned, they should state their telephone number s-l-o-w-l-y and the purpose of the call.
Instructor’s Web Home Page Address: http://www.gannon.edu/resource/faculty/mahan/,
which contains a link to a page describing the instructor’s International Business professional development activities.
Splendid China Tour Web Site: provides information
on the Spring, 2002, tour, courses offered in conjunction with the tour, grants
available for Gannon student participants, and information for tour
participants, the address (URL) for which is https://chinastudytour.tripod.com/GU/
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to study in depth the effect on all elements of an international business firm’s external environment if it were to do business in China, which may be one of the most important counties of the new century. The geography, level of economic development, economic system, legal system, political system, business environment, culture (including history, language, religion, education, concept of the family, time perception, etc.) and current issues of China are studied. The focus is primarily on the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and not on the Republic of China (Taiwan). This course is designed specifically for undergraduate and graduate students of all majors at institutions other than Gannon, as a regular three credit China Studies course is also available. The expectations for graduate students enrolled in the course are different and more stringent than for undergraduates. The three credits earned are transferable.
Learning outcomes: At the completion of this course, the student is expected to have an understanding of the external environment of a firm doing business in China and current Chinese issues and events.
CD ROM: “Contemporary Chinese Societies: Continuity and Change” [ISBN: 0231123841] (referred to as the China CD), which is available for purchase at a price of $49.50 from Columbia University Press, the Web site for which is: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/pages/idx_search.html When prompted enter the title of the CD in the search box.
More info on the purchase and use of this CD can be found at the University of Pittsburgh companion Website for the CD-ROM: "Contemporary Chinese Societies: Continuity and Change", the URL for which is: http://www.contemporarychina.pitt.edu/index.html
Historical background
· Schirokauer, Conrad. A Brief History of Chinese Civilization. Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1991. ISBN: 0155055682
· Moise, Edwin E. Modern China: A History (The Present and the Past), 2E. Addison-Wesley Longman, 1994. ISBN: 0582490766
· Spence, Jonathan. The Search for Modern China. New York: Norton, 1990.
· Hsu, Immanuel. The Rise of Modern China, 4E. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990.
· Roberts, J.A.G. A Concise History of China. 1999.
· Shaughnessy, Edward L. China. Empire and Civilization. 2000..
· Encountering the Chinese: A Guide for Americans. 2E. Intercultural Press, 1999. ISBN: 1-877864-58-7
· The Suggested Readings section contained at the end of each segment of the China CD indicates additional readings.
In preparation for the field trip it is highly recommended that the student obtain a tour guide book, such as one of the following, and read those sections pertaining to the sites to be visited plus general information regarding the culture, history and other aspects of the country:
· Fodor's Exploring China (available from amazon.com for $15.40)
· Fodor's China (available from amazon.com for $14.00)
Fodor’s also has available separate Citypacks and Pocket
guides for Beijing and Shanghai (which are available from amazon.com)
Fodor’s and other tour guides, such as Frommer’s, are also available at local bookstores, such as Barnes & Nobles.
The following
instructional methods are to be utilized in this course:
· CD – ROM
· Field trip
· Movies
· Texts
· Web sites
As a result of the many different instructional methods
used, this is to be a unique course.
Each of the instructional
methods is described below.
The foundation of the course is the use of a cutting edge CD
– ROM entitled “Contemporary Chinese Societies: Continuity and Change,” (referred to as the China CD) which is a multidisciplinary, multimedia presentation
of the diversity of modern China in the context of its traditional roots. As both an integrated curriculum and
"virtual" introduction, this newly released (May 2001) CD-ROM
combines imagery, music, and the spoken language with text and narrative that
are grounded in the latest scholarship.
Under the direction of Michele Ferrier, this University of
Pittsburgh project required over 7 years, with 12 scholars involved, to
complete. Initial funding in the amount
of $20,000 was received from Luce. Two
additional grants in the amounts of $160,000 and $180,000 were then received.
The CD consists of the following six thematic modules or units, which collectively incorporate the perspectives of economics, politics, history, sociology, literature, the visual and performing arts, anthropology, religion, and education:
· Unity in Diversity
· Views of Time and Space
· The Individual and the Collectivity
· Adapting to a Changing World
· Shaping Conformity and Dissent
· Political Culture
Each of the six modules or units consists of several topics or segments, for a total of 64. Each unit contains a video introduction and text, which contains links to photos, video clips, and sound clips. The CD integrates 28 hours of digital video. Each segment concludes with review questions in the form of an interactive quiz (called Review), homework questions (called Assignments), additional suggested readings, and Web links.
The topics covered
most thoroughly in the CD include the following:
·
Geography
·
Culture
(language, religion, education, concept of family, food, clothing, importance
of individual vs. collectivism, concept of time)
·
Political
system
·
Economic system
·
International
business
·
Human rights
Other topics covered
less thoroughly include: history, and
business environment.
Information on the use of this CD can be found at the University of Pittsburgh companion Website for the CD-ROM: "Contemporary Chinese Societies: Continuity and Change", the URL for which is: http://www.contemporarychina.pitt.edu/index.html
This information should be reviewed before using the CD.
Videos that provide information on Chinese history and other topics not covered well in the China CD include the following:
· Big Emerging Market: China ****
· China in Revolution, 1911-1949 *
· The Mao Years, 1949-1976 *
· Born under the Red Flag, 1976-1997 *
· In Search of China **
· Families of China **
· Frontline: Dangerous Straits ***
· past Splendid China tours
* indicates available from amazon.com
** indicates available from http://shop.store.yahoo.com/adopt/china.html
*** indicates available from http://www.shop.pbs.org
**** indicates on reserve in the media room of the Gannon Nash Library
Synopses of the above videos may be provided separately via Email.
The student is strongly encouraged to view the second – forth videos listed above as they present an excellent background on recent history.
The following are some contemporary movies that provide a useful historical background:
· Red Sorghum (1987)
· Ju-Dou (1990)
· Shanghai Triad (1995)
· The Story of Qiu Ju (1992)
· Yellow Earth (1988)
· To Live (1994)
· Farewell, My Concubine (1993)
· Rise the Red Lantern (1991)
· The Last Emperor (1987)
·
The Emperor And The Assassin (1999)
·
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) *
· Blue Kite (1994)
· Temptress Moon (1997)
Many of these films are available for rental from places such as Blockbusters. All are also available for purchase from amazon.com.
The students is encouraged to view as many of these films as possible as they are all critically acclaimed and quite good. With the exception of The Last Emperor, all the above films are Chinese films made by the 5th generation of directors, are in Mandarin with English subtitles, and are different from US made films. A background in Chinese history is useful for understanding the content of these films.
A synopsis of each of the above movies is to be provided separately via Email.
The student is to provide a review of two of the above listed movies as explained below.
Internet Web sites are to be used for obtaining additional information on specific topics, particularly those not covered well in the CD and elsewhere, and in researching reports.
Some useful Internet Web sites related to China are to be provided to each student via Email.
It is also to be used to provide
course documents as well as communicate with individual students. Thus, students should check their E-mail
regularly.
The field trip component of the course is the China Study Tour, which is to take place over Spring break. The tour is intended to provide an additional understanding of the history and culture of the country and is to include several business visits. The itinerary is as follows:
Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou (8 Days)
March 1 - 8, 2002
[Note: departure date may be changed to March 02, 2002 if the Detroit - Beijing non stop flight becomes available on that date. The customized itinerary is subject to change. A final itinerary will be provided prior to departure.]
Your exciting journey begins as you fly from Erie (or other departure city) to Detroit where you board a Northwest Air Boeing 747 for a non-stop flight to Beijing.
After crossing the International Date Line, arrive early this evening in Beijing, the historic capital of the People’s Republic of China, to begin your visit to one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Meet your local tour guide, who will accompany the group for the entire stay, and transfer to the centrally located Peace Hotel (or similar), where you may relax to recover from the jet lag or explore the city on your own. Day 03 Beijing
In the morning stroll on Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world, and visit the Forbidden City, the huge complex of imperial palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens that were home to the emperors for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
After lunch visit the Temple of Heaven, an exquisite example of Ming architecture, where emperors performed the annual rites believed to be essential to the well being of the nation.
After a welcome dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, attend a performance of the fascinating and colorful Peking Opera, which features acrobatics as well as singing, with English subtitles.
Day 04 Beijing
The highlight today is a full day excursion to the Great Wall. This landmark of China is one of the most amazing feats of human labor and the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon. A walk along a portion of the enormous undulating towered and turreted 3,700 mile long Wall is spectacular.
Upon return to Beijing, visit the Summer Palace, where the Empress Dowager Ci Xi would go to escape the heat of the city, and where you can walk the famous Long Corridor.
In the evening a dinner featuring Peking Duck toasts the end of an unforgettable day.
Day 05 Beijing/ Shanghai
In the morning you go on a special pedicab tour of the Hu Tong, the “old city” neighborhood of narrow alleyways and authentic courtyard houses where locals have lived for centuries. Visit the Drum Tower, a Beijing family, Prince Gong’s Palace, and a tea house.
In late afternoon fly to Shanghai, the bustling commercial heart of China, known as the “Paris of the East.” Meet the local tour guide and transfer to the Jianguo Hotel Shanghai (or similar).
If time permits, visit Nanjing Road, a shopper’s paradise.
Day 06 Shanghai
In the morning visit international businesses, tour the Poudoug business district, visit the US Embassey, and tour the Bund, the waterfront area that was the center of 19th century colonialism which is lined with gracious European buildings overlooking the Huangpu River.
Those not wishing to participate in the business visits my tour Shanghai on their own.
Enjoy an Acrobatic Show in the evening.
Day 07 Shanghai/Suzhou
Today there is a full day tour to beautiful Suzhou, a city described by the Chinese as a paradise on earth. Visit the Master of the Nets Garden, Tiger Hill, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Hanshan Temple, the Silk Museum, and the canals of this “Venice of the East.”
Day 08 Shanghai/US
Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you board your non-stop flight to Detroit for connection to Erie (or other destination). Cross the International Date Line and arrive back in the US the same day.
The student’s performance assessment consists of the following components (percentage of final grade is indicated in parentheses; all material is to be submitted by May 3, 2002 via mail.)
· Participation (10%). Each student will have an ongoing responsibility to bring enthusiasm, interest and questions to the field experiences. The students need to prepare questions and concerns in advance before the field trip.
· China Study CD-ROM assigned homework, quizzes and a 3-4 page evaluation/comments on the CD (45%)
The document entitled “China CD Reading & Homework Assignments,” to be Emailed to each student, indicates the China CD segments that are to be worked through, the suggested week for doing so, and the assigned h/w problems. For those segments that contain an introduction, to access the text just click on the word Introduction on the menu page for that unit.
For each of the segments assigned in the CD, the quizzes (referred to as Review on the CD) are to be self administered. For each Review question missed, the corresponding portion of the CD is to be reviewed.
The selected homework (h/w) problems (referred to as Assignments on the CD) assigned are to be submitted and count for a portion of the final grade. The length of the answer for each h/w question assigned varies but is expected to be ½ - 1.5 pages. For some of the segments that contain sub categories, which are denoted by i, ii, iii, etc., there are not separate Assignment questions for each sub category. If there is a vertical bar along the right hand side of a screen containing Assignment questions, click on the down arrow at the bottom of the screen to scroll to the bottom of the last question.
For a particular segment, another Assignment question that is not assigned within that segment may be substituted for one of those assigned. Not all segments assigned as reading contain assigned h/w questions as those that involve other readings have been omitted.
It would be useful to at least read through as much of the CD as possible prior to the field trip as it contains material on many of the sites to be visited.
General instructions for doing the homework are as follows:
· Do the questions in exactly the same order as listed on the China CD Reading & Homework Assignments document, clearly indicating the unit, segment, and question number;
· Fasten all papers together using something other than a paper clip;
· Handwritten material is acceptable as long as it is legible.
The h/w problems for each unit are graded on the basis of the completeness, quality, and presentation of the answers using a 0 to 5.0 grading scale (from assignment not turned in to unsatisfactory to satisfactory to outstanding).
When working through the CD, make a note of any questions so that they may be presented to tour guides. Also, make a note of errors, thoughts on the usefulness of the CD, option on the h/w (Review) questions assigned, and suggestions for improvement as a 3-4 page review/critique is to be submitted.
· Final Project (45%), which includes the following components:
a) An overview and impression of each of the following highlights of the tour (each of which is expected to be ½ to 1.5 pages in length and prepared with a word processor):
· Tiananmen Square
· Forbidden City
· Temple of Heaven
· Peking Opera
· Great Wall
· Summer Palace
· Lama Temple (if ivisited)
· Hu Tong tour
· Beijing Duck dinner
· Suzhou excursion
· Acrobatic Show
· All Shanghai business visit
b) Journal of field trip. Students are to prepare and submit a comprehensive journal containing entries for each day of the tour. Each journal entry is to be of 30 minutes dealing with daily thoughts regarding the experience and perhaps observed differences between the US and China. A handwritten journal is acceptable.
c) Summary essay on the educational value of the experience. A 3-4 page paper addressing the educational value of the experience to the student, what was learned, and perhaps indicating observed differences in the culture, history, economic system, level of economic development, political system between China and the US. Include any recommendations you may have for other students who may be interested in future tours. This should be prepared with a word processor.
d) Scrapbook of current event issues related to China. Students are encouraged to keep informed
of current events related to China throughout the semester. A total of five (5) items appearing during the semester, hopefully at different times, are to be selected and analyzed.
Any type of magazine or newspaper is an eligible source, as are articles obtained from on line services, or a WWW site. Items can be found at Internet general news sources, as well as Web sources of news items specific to China, which are included in the New Sources folder of the Web sites gathered by the instructor and to be provided via Email to each student. At least two items should be obtained from Chinese sources.
Some general news Web sites that the instructor has come across that may be useful are the following (note that these have not been updated recently):
Domestic newspapers
WSJ: http://wsj.com Requires subscription
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com - News, weather, sports, features
Digest of The New York Times: http://nytimesfax.com.
Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/
The New Times York/The Street Wall Journal:
http://www.c3f.com/ntytoday.html
New York Daily News: http://www.mostnewyork.com/
Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com News, sports, business, weather, features
Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com
Investor’s Business Daily: http://www.investors.com
Other domestic news media
CNN interactive site: http://www.cnn.com/ - great place to check latest headlines. Includes lots of video clips. News, sports, business, and weather
CNN Custom News: http://customnewscnn.com - can customize content rec’d - select to receive news on specific countries in the World News section
MSNBC site: http://www.msnbc.com - frustrating to use
ABC News: http://www.abcnews.com - let viewers tune in to hear, feel, and interact w/ the news
NPR: http://www.npr.org - Programming schedules and previews, order transcripts of any program, if have speaker, sound card, and real audio player can listen to current newscasts, or search the NPR archives to hear programs from the past two years.
Domestic news weeklies
US news & World Report: http://www.usnews.com [access to the Colleges & Careers Center, the magazine’s famous ratings of US educational institutions]
The Economist: http://www.economist.com/
Business Week: http://www.businessweek.com/
http://www.pathfinder.com - links to Money, Time, Fortune, and other Time Warner publications
Forbes: http://www.forbes.com
Fortune: http://www.pathfinder.com/fortune
An overview/summary of each item is to be provided as well as an analysis. The analysis may relate the item to a concept studied and, where appropriate, the effect of the event on business. A copy of the article is also to be included for items obtained from print sources. Photocopies are O.K. For articles obtained electronically via the Internet, a printout should be provided. The items selected are to have appeared in print during the current semester, preferably at different times. The text portion of the Scrapbook is to word-processed. Suggested length for each item is 1/2 – 1.5 pages.
Scrapbooks will be graded on the basis of the following criteria: (1) Quality of the analysis of each article; (2) diversity with respect to the date of the articles selected; (3) diversity of sources; and (4) Overall presentation of materials.
e)
Overview of two
of the above listed movies, which are listed under the movie heading, not the
video heading. View and provide
an overview/review/critique, including course topics depicted in the film, each
of which is expected to be 1.5 pages in length.
f) Analysis of current issues. The student is to prepare a report /overview/ analysis of one of the following current issues [Note that each numbered item represents a separate issue and * indicates issues that are strongly recommended]:
The instructor has articles related to some of the topics.
He can also provide suggestions as to what to include in the report.
Each report is to be word-processed and to be about five pages in length.
Academic integrity:
Scholastic dishonesty is not to be tolerated. The full consequences of scholastic dishonesty will be pursued consistent with the university’s Code of Academic Integrity, which is described on pp. 35-40 of the 2001-2002 Gannon Undergraduate Catalog.
All
material is to be submitted by May 3, 2002 via mail. Please do not Email or fax material.
Non Gannon students who enroll in this course qualify for the Gannon student tour price of $1,429 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes the following:
· Round trip air transportation from Erie. Those participants departing from a city other than Erie are subject to a deviation fee. All participants, including students, are to arrange their own transportation to/from the Erie airport.
· Earn 14,264 North West Air World Perk miles, with a value of $285.
· All meals, including Western breakfast, and Chinese lunch and dinner
· 6 nights accommodation in four-star hotels: in Beijing, the Peace Hotel, centrally located (15 minute walk to Tiananmen Square), and the Jianguo Hotel Shanghai. Both are equipped with fitness center, business center, several restaurants, shopping arcade, etc. The Peace also has a pool.
· Hotel tax and service fee.
· Transportation and admission to all activities included in itinerary
· English speaking local tour guide who will accompany the group at all times
· Experienced tour leader who has traveled to China three times, twice leading highly successful tours.
· Tour information and pre departure briefing meetings and material
Tuition is not included in tour cost.
Students must have
a passport and visa to study in China. Visa application forms are available
from the NYC Chinese consulate website, a link to which is available on the
Splendid China Tour Web site. Instructions for obtaining a passport and visa
are available from the Tour Information meeting page of the Splendid China Tour
Web site. The student is responsible
for the visa application fee. The visa process takes approximately three weeks
to complete.