IBUS 299 - China Study Tour (One Credit)
Course Syllabus
Spring, 2003
(last modified 1/20/03)
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: Monday and Wednesday, 1:30 – 4:00 PM; Tuesday, 1:30 – 5:30 PM, and Thursday, 1:30 – 4:00 PM; and by appointment. Since meetings are sometimes scheduled during office hours, appointments are advised.
Due to severe allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities, which affect his throat, the instructor would appreciate the removal of heavy perfume, cologne, gel and other fragrances before class and office visits.
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.
Class time: This class doesn’t meet at a regular class time.
Splendid China Tour Web site Address (URL): https://chinastudytour.tripod.com/GU/ , which provides information on the Spring, 2003, tour,
courses offered in conjunction with the tour, grants available for Gannon
student participants, and information for tour participants.
Course
description: The purpose of this one
credit hour course, which is open to students of all majors, is to provide an
introduction and exposure to the culture, language, economic system, level of
economic development, history, legal system, political system and business
environment of China.
The learning
process is to take place in the following four stages, each of which is
explained in detail below:
1.
Tour Information and Pre Departure Briefing
meetings, which the student is to attend.
2.
An eight day
field trip to China, which is to take place during the Spring, 2003, Break from
Feb 28 through March 7, 2003.
3. Course debriefing
4. Preparation of a final project
Prior to the trip departure there is to be a Tour Information meeting, a Pre Departure Briefing, and, time permitting, an orientation session at the Detroit airport layover and/or on the evening of arrival in Beijing, to provide trip information, an introduction to the basic environment of China, including history, culture, political system, economic system, etc., and to explain course requirements and rules for the field trip. The Splendid China Tour Web site also contains the material distributed at the Tour Information and Pre Departure Briefing meetings.
Another important component of the course is the China Tour, which is to take place over Spring break. This eight day tour, which provides at least 40 student contact hours, is intended to provide an additional understanding of the history and culture and includes several business visits. Tuition is not included in tour cost. The tentative tour itinerary is as follows:
Beijing (8 Days)
Feb 28 – March 7, 2003
[Note: departure date and customized itinerary are subject to change. A final itinerary is to 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 direct 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 tour guide, who will accompany the group for the entire stay, and transfer to the centrally located Jianguo Hotel (or similar).
Day 03
In the morning 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 stroll on Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world, and visit the Mao Mausoleum.
A welcoming dinner and fantastic acrobatic show fill the evening.
Day 04
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.
The remainder of the day in Beijing is at your leisure for shopping or additional exploration. Upon return to the city, those who are interested may be left off at Silk Alley, an area of open-air stalls specializing in silks, cashmere and made for export apparel.
Day 05
In the morning 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 lunch stop at the Beijing Zoo to visit the Giant Panda Exhibit and then on to 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. Following 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 06
In the morning you go on a special pedicab tour of the Hutong, the “old city” neighborhood of narrow alleyways and authentic courtyard houses where locals have lived for centuries. Visit the Drum or Bell Tower, the home of a Beijing family, Prince Gong’s Palace, and a tea house. Visit a school or international business firm in the afternoon. After dinner, enjoy the evening on your own.
In the morning, visit the Beijing office of an international business firm and interview managers. After lunch, visit the Lama Temple, the finest Tibetan temple in China, and view an 85 foot tall Tathagageta Buddha made from a single sandalwood trunk, and then enjoy a free afternoon. A farewell dinner of Beijing Duck toasts the end of an unforgettable trip.
Day 08
Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you board your direct flight to Detroit for connection to Erie (or other destination). Cross the International Date Line and arrive back in the US the same day.
Attendance is required at all items on itinerary. It is especially important to focus on explanations of sites and other information provided by the tour guide.
Additional information on the tour is available at the tour Web site: https://chinastudytour.tripod.com/GU/
Tuition is not included in tour cost.
At a time to be arranged after the tour, perhaps at the Detroit airport layover, students are to gather to draw conclusions and share experiences.
The final project,
which is intended to integrate the entire experience, consists of the following
components, each of which is described below:
The materials to be included in the China Tour project should not be submitted in a loose fashion. All papers should be attached with something other than a paper clip or those plastic things that slide along the edges of the papers. Small binders or folders with three clips for attaching 3 hole punched paper are recommended.
The final
project is to be submitted by the end of the last week of classes, Friday, May
2, 2002.
Students are to prepare and submit a comprehensive journal containing entries for each day of the tour. Each journal entry is to be of 20-30 minutes in length dealing with daily thoughts regarding the experience, including such things as observed differences between the US and China, perceptions of China, what has been learned, etc. The journal may be handwritten as long as it is legible.
A small notebook or microphone is highly recommended for taking notes during the tour.
The overview of the highlights of
the tour may be combined with the journal into one document.
Students are
required to submit reports in each of the following three areas:
1)
Provide a report/organized overview of the following tour highlights
(each to be ½ - 1.5 pages in length):
2)
Provide a report/organized overview
on one of the following topics, to be selected on the basis of the
student’s interest (each individual sub topic is to be of 1½ pages or more in length)
a) Chinese history:
Comparison of the history and culture of the Ming and Chin dynasties
Chinese contemporary history (1840-present)
The major changes after 1980
b) Chinese political issues (choose any 3 of the following):
China’s relationship with Taiwan
China’s relationship with Tibet
Hong Kong and Macao handovers
Pro democracy movement in China, including 1989 and 1999 events
An analysis of political risk for
business people
Government trade policy: quota,
tariffs, subsidies, and other nontariff barriers
Unrest among farmers
Millions who have left country side for cities looking for work
Future of Communist party
New Chinese political leaders, including President Hu
Corruption among Communist party officials
Pro democracy movement including Tiananmen Square massacre
Three Gorges Dam project
Awarding of 2008 Olympics to Beijing including controversy surrounding bid and effects
c) Chinese geography:
General information about geography
Natural resources
Agricultural
d) Chinese legal environment (choose any 3 of the following):
Chinese Legal System
Chinese International Law
Intellectual property rights violation
Bribery/corruption
e) Chinese economic environment:
Change in the type of economic system, i.e., economic reform/transformation, since 1980
Chinese banking system
f) Culture (choose any four topics)
Education and literacy
Chinese Language (including 50 useful phrases)
Business do and don’ts (taboos)
Ethnic background of population
Minorities
Holidays
g) Chinese religions: Buddhism, Lamasery, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Confucianism
h) Chinese food: Beijing Duck dinner, 4 major Chinese cuisines, difference between American
Chinese food and Chinese Chinese food
i) Chinese arts (choose any five of the following):
Cloisonné (enamel)
Chinese silk
Chinese painting and calligraphy
Chinese embroidery
Chinese ceramic
Chinese jade crafting
J) Chinese Business Issues (choose any 3 of the following topics):
Political risk assessment for business people
Government regulations re FDI, formation of JVs , etc.
WTO issues -
The winner and losers for the US and China from China’s entry into the WTO
Effect on state owned businesses in China
Advantages and disadvantages for US and China for China’s entry to WTO
Effect of WTO entry on China
Government trade policies and trade protectionism including quotas, tariffs, subsidies, and other non-tariff barriers
Description of trade between China and US
Intellectual property rights violations
Business do and don’ts (i.e., taboos)
k) Human rights issues (choose any 3 of the following topics):
Selling organs of prisoners
Restrictions on religious freedoms, including practicing Christianity and suppression of Falun Gong
Repression/imprisonment of political dissidents
Religious repression of Tibet * (5)
Freedom of press and changes in freedom of the press
Detention of Chinese born academics visiting China
Population control policies including one child policy
Internet access restrictions and growth of Internet and effect on democratization
l)
If the student
has another issue that they would like to research contact the instructor for
approval.
The research
involved in the preparation of this project may involve the utilization of
Internet Web sites, academic literature, texts, movies, and interviews with
Chinese people and other resources, some of which are provided below.
3) Movie review(s)
Provide an overview/review/critique of at least one page in length of two of the following contemporary Chinese 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)
· Not One Less (1999)
· The Road Home (2000)
All of the above films have been placed on reserve at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the Gannon Nash Library. They are located on a shelf listed under Mahan. Only students in this class and the IBUS382/GMBA791 - China Studies class may check them out, so an ID is required. Locals are encouraged to return them within 3 days; those out of town within one week. Please try to return as soon as possible so that others may enjoy them. In the IBUS382/GMBA791 - China Studies class, each student is do a class presentation on one of the above films. So please don't check out one that is scheduled for a presentation in the China Studies class within 1 ½ weeks prior to the presentation date. The presentation schedule for this class is to be provided via Email.
Some of these films may also be available from the library’s collection that is available at the Circulation Desk. All of these videos are also available for purchase from amazon.com. Many of these films are also available from rental places such as Blockbusters. Some are available from the Erie County Library. Many of these films are also be available for rental from places such as Blockbusters.
Summary essay on the
educational value of the experience. A separate 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. A copy of this essay could also be submitted
to the Dean, CHBE to satisfy the requirement for receiving the second check for
those who have received a China Study Tour grant. This is also to be used to promote future tours.
Some of the
resources to be used in the preparation for the field trip and the final
project are provided below.
Internet Web sites such as the following:
http://www.china-embassy.org
http://boston.com/mfa/chinese
http://www.sru.edu/DEPTS/ARTSCI/GOV/GBROWN/ChinaWebTopics.htm
(this site contains links
used in a political science course, including maps, news sources, research and
comprehensive sites on china, and political issues.)
http://asia.fullcoverage.yahoo.com/fc/asia/China/
Links to many more Web sites are to be provided via Email.
·
Ambler, Tim
and Morgen Witzel. Doing
Business in China. New York: Routledge.
(Available in paperback from Amazon.com for $28.95)
·
Seligman, Scott D., and Edward J. Trenn. Chinese Business Etiquette : A Guide to
Protocol, Manners, and Culture in the People's Republic of China (Available
from Amazon.com for $10.49.)
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 (this is an excellent source for recent history)
· 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.
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 $15.40)
· Foror’s Beijing (available from amazon.com for $9.95)
· Fodor’s Citypack Beijing (available from amazon.com for $9.60)
Fodor’s and other tour guides, such as Frommer’s, are also available at local bookstores, such as Barnes & Nobles
The student’s
assessment consists of the following components (percentage of final grade is
indicated in parentheses):
1) Attendance and
Participation (20%) Each student will have an ongoing responsibility to bring
enthusiasm, interest and questions to the field experiences and meetings. The students need to prepare questions and
concerns in advance before the field trip.
2) Final project (total 80%). The percentage of the final grade for each component is as
follows:
a) journal (20%)
b) reports on tour highlights, selected topics
and movie reviews (45%)
c) summary essay (15%)
There are neither exams nor quizzes in this course.
The grading scale used to determine course letter grades based on course average is as follows: A - 90%, B+ - 87%, B - 80%; C+ - 77%, C - 70%, D - 60% and F below 60%.
As instructed by the former Associate Dean, CHBE, an Incomplete grade is to be issued only in those cases in which an exam or course project has not been completed. It is not to be used in cases where a large amount of course requirements have not been completed. In such cases, instead of issuing an incomplete grade, instructors have been instructed to submit a grade based on performance as of the time grades are submitted, which can then be replaced by another grade when the course is completed. Apparently this aids in separation decisions.
Academic integrity:
Scholastic dishonesty is not tolerated. The full consequences of scholastic dishonesty will be pursued consistent with the university’s Code of Academic Integrity, which is described on pp. 37-40 of the 2002-2003 Gannon Undergraduate Catalog.
24 January, 2003, is the last day courses dropped are removed from the transcript.
20 March, 2003, is the last day to withdrawn from a course.
The last day for
submission of material to be considered before grades are submitted to the
Registrar’s Office is Wednesday, 07 May, 2003.
Students are encouraged to apply for a grant. In Fall 2000, a China Study Grant Fund was established with a contribution by a Gannon MBA alumnus, who is also a Chinese national. There are now other contributors to the fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide grants to Gannon students to enable them to participate in a China Study Tour so as to learn more about the culture, history, political system, economy, business environment, and legal system of what may be the most important country of this century, and to foster a better understanding between the people of the two countries.
Additional
information on the grant and an application form may be obtained from the
Splendid China Tour Web site (:https://chinastudytour.tripod.com/GU/)
or from Dr. Mahan.
Enrolling in a
course offered in conjunction with the tour is an important criteria in the
awarding of the grants.