All courses in the Experience China program will be taught in a module format. In this format, courses are approximately three to four weeks in length, and taught one at a time. You are required to be enrolled in a course during each module of the program with the exception of Module Three which is an optional, but highly encouraged, Mandarin language course, running through the entirety of the semester. Modules One and Two are the Experience China core courses, required of all participants. A rotating curriculum will be offered during Modules Four and Five of the program, allowing you a variety of courses to choose from.
China: Society & Cultural Immersion
This course will explore topics related to intercultural communication, incrementally building a broad foundation of exposure, awareness and understanding of culture, in general, and specifically Chinese daily life, that will serve as a platform for further exploration and learning about China and global citizenship.
China: From Ancient Culture to a Modern Global Force
This course will utilize an interdisciplinary approach to build a deeper understanding of China as an ancient country and a modern day geopolitical and economic force by understanding its history, geography, government & politics, ethnic compositions, arts, and more.
Mandarin Language Course
The Mandarin language course is a highly recommended component of the Experience China program. Instructors at Zhejiang International Studies University will tailor language instruction to fit your needs - from beginner to intermediate.
Introductory Astronomy
Designed to apply toward the general education science requirement, this course examines the fundamental ideas from the dawn of time to the space age about the Earth, Moon, planets and constellations. The origin and evolution of the solar system, stars, black holes, quasars, galaxies and the universe are covered. The possibility of space travel and extraterrestrial life is explored.
Life on the Dragon's Backbone: Exploring the History, Agricultural Practice, and Future of the Longsheng Rice Terraces
This course will explore the history of the rice paddies, the agricultural practices of terraced farming, and the future of the rice paddies.
The Mysterious China Market: The Influence of China on the U.S. from 1750 to the Present
From the creation of the United States, the nation has been fascinated with Chinese culture and the potential market it offered. The two nations traded and interacted in a variety of ways. American furs, raw materials, and popular culture moved to China. China sent Willow dishes, spices and tea, and a variety of material culture. The course begins with an overview of popular and material culture as part of a nation's culture. The course then explores the relationship between the two nations throughout the past 250 years and looks closely at the exchanges of popular culture.
Constant Change: A History of American Technology
The popular history of the United States focuses on change and development. A key area of change is technology. The U.S. moved from a rural nation to the largest industrial nation in the world in less than a century. The growth continued through the 20th century with change and technology moving from machines and heavy industry to devices and electronics. Some historians argue that the modern world of today was created in the technological innovation in the United States. The course traces those changes and analyzes their effects on American culture and world culture.
China: Society & Cultural Immersion
This course will explore topics related to intercultural communication, incrementally building a broad foundation of exposure, awareness and understanding of culture, in general, and specifically Chinese daily life, that will serve as a platform for further exploration and learning about China and global citizenship.
China: From Ancient Culture to a Modern Global Force
This course will utilize an interdisciplinary approach to build a deeper understanding of China as an ancient country and a modern day geopolitical and economic force by understanding its history, geography, government & politics, ethnic compositions, arts, and more.
Mandarin Language Course
The Mandarin language course is a highly recommended component of the Experience China program. Instructors at Zhejiang International Studies University will tailor language instruction to fit your needs - from beginner to intermediate.
Chinese Folk Heroines in the Performing Arts
This course will examine the legends of three Chinese folk heroines, exploring the origins of their stories, analyzing how their stories have changed dependent upon choice of performing arts media. Students will examine what the theatrical elements and conventions implicit in the Chinese Opera, Shadow Puppetry, Film and Contemporary Drama are and how they have influenced and altered the stories of these legendary women. The course will consider if these heroines have been appropriated by cultures other than Chinese and if there are stereotypes that may exists and have been perpetuated in these art forms. The focus will be on: the young girl warrior Mulan, Liang Zhu (the Chinese Juliet), and Lady Bai of the White Snake legend which is said to take place on West Lake in Hangzhou. Students will attend at least one performance of a performing art specific to China such as the Chinese Opera or Puppetry, dependent upon scheduling.
Sustainability from the Perspective of the Arts
This course is an introduction to understanding the ethics of sustainability from the perspective of the arts, including visual art, dance, music, theatre, film and other arts. Students will uncover their own ethical understandings about their responsibilities to a sustainable future world by studying leading artists, products and conservationists.
Wellness
Analysis of the consequences of personal decisions and personal lifestyle choices related to personal health and well-being. The study of techniques employed in the promotion of health information, services, and products and personal health risk appraisal. This course will include physical activities which may include hiking, biking, walking, Tai Chi, and traditional Chinese movement. UW-River Falls students can substitute this course for PE 108 and two (2) .5 credit lifetime activity courses. Students enrolling in this course will be responsible for an additional course fee not expected to exceed $400. This fee will cover daily Tai Chi instruction; field trips within the city of Hangzhou; and all transportation, accommodation, meal, and guide expenses associated with a two-day, overnight, trip to Yellow Mountain.
China: Society & Cultural Immersion
This course will explore topics related to intercultural communication, incrementally building a broad foundation of exposure, awareness and understanding of culture, in general, and specifically Chinese daily life, that will serve as a platform for further exploration and learning about China and global citizenship.
China: From Ancient Culture to a Modern Global Force
This course will utilize an interdisciplinary approach to build a deeper understanding of China as an ancient country and a modern day geopolitical and economic force by understanding its history, geography, government & politics, ethnic compositions, arts, and more.
Mandarin Language Course
The Mandarin language course is a highly recommended component of the Experience China program. Instructors at Zhejiang International Studies University will tailor language instruction to fit your needs - from beginner to intermediate.
Intercultural Communication
This course is designed to raise awareness of cultural values, beliefs and norms and specifically addresses how culture affects communication choices on the interpersonal, group, cross-cultural and global levels. Issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, etc. will be addressed.
Interpersonal Communication
The primary purpose of this course is to assist the student in examining and developing their competence as an interpersonal communicator in different relationships and in various communication contexts in any one relationship. Cognitive, behavioral and affective interpersonal skills will be explored.
