Business in 

Chinese Culture

I B 204 will be offered in Spring 2008.

The in-country component of this course will be during Spring Break 2008. 

I B 204--Business in Chinese Culture is a three hour course that provides an overview of sociocultural, religious, historical, economic, and political contexts and how they impact how business is conducted in China.  This course examines the blend of traditional value systems, Communist ideology, and global modernization and their relating influences on contemporary commercial practices in and with China.  Classes are held twice a week throughout the semester with an in-country visit to observe cultural sites and business activities.   Prerequisites for this course are ECO 100 or ECO 221 (or equivalent) and a minimum of sophomore standing.

Upon completion of this course, students will:

  • Understand how historic and contemporary economic, political, social and cultural forces influence business practices and behaviors in and with China

  • Experience a non-western culture first-hand during the in-country experience in Beijing and Shanghai

  • Develop an appreciation of contemporary issues facing the Chinese political economy and society at large

  • Integrate the total set of course experiences with respect to their professional and personal lives

 

The Great Wall origins date back at least to the 5th century B.C.

I B 204 uses the lens of commerce to understand China's cultural heritage, political history, religious and philosophical value systems, and technological foundations.  

The course is divided into three major sections:

  1. Preparation for the in-country experience:  Prior to the in-country experience in China to be conducted in March, students will develop an understanding of Chinese history, culture, business, and language.

  2. Participation in the Culture:  During the in-country experience, students will visit sites of historical importance and a variety of Chinese business environments.  They will also be exposed to the unique cultural attributes of daily life in China. 

  3. Perspective gained by first person experience:  Upon return to campus, students will put the in-country experience in perspective via an experiential debriefing, panels, classroom discussions, and a project. 

 

BEIJING, CHINA

Between massive new construction projects and the unprecedented sprucing up of the capital to bolster its bid to host the 2008 Olympics, Beijing has acquired a brand new face for the 21st century.  Beijing is China's preeminent city, showing off the past six centuries of Chinese history, art, and culture.

Forbidden City (Zijin Cheng) is the most magnificent Imperial palace in China.  

The streets in Shanghai, China

 

SHANGHAI, CHINA

The massive reconstruction of Shanghai during the 1990s is over, creating a more international city for the 21st century.  New projects are constantly reshaping both the historic downtown and the new Pudong District of Shanghai East.  There is still something left of the romantic, colonial Shanghai, but there is far more that is up to the minute.  Many now say that Shanghai is becoming the most exciting city in China.  

Students enrolled in this course will visit both Beijing and Shanghai in the People's Republic of China. Some sites students will visit are the Temple of Heaven, The Great Wall, Summer Palace, The Forbidden City, Tian An Men Square, Shanghai Museum, YuYuan garden, and much more.  The students will also experience the differences of state-owned versus foreign direct investment businesses by visiting various companies.

For more information on IB 204, please contact Heather McCord, ISP Coordinator at hmccord@bradley.edu.

The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan)