China - Curriculum & Courses

College Credit Courses

• TopChinese Business Courses
  • Intensive China Business Institute: China Business Today (full day):  In 1992, there were 140, 000 private companies in China, in 2010 there are over 6.7 million private companies in the world’s most dynamic economy. This intensive program is a thorough introduction to the realities of business in modern China. It is no secret that the whole world is trying to figure out how to do business in China, but most people lack the background and cultural understanding necessary for success. This full-day course will introduce students to business in modern China as it has emerged on the world stage with Shanghai at its financial center. Topics will include finance, economics, market research, entrepreneurial practices, and production. Discuss the current state of U.S.-Sino business relations and learn about obstacles facing foreign companies in China. Learn about the history of China’s business interactions with the west and take advantage of Shanghai’s fascinating history as a foreign concession. Experience the cultural differences between the way business is conducted in China and develop your China business savvy. Students will have regular opportunities to meet with top players in many industries, from leading venture capitalists to fashion designers to marketing entrepreneurs. Through visits to their offices, students will learn first-hand what it is like to do business in China as a westerner. They will have opportunities to ask questions and engage with professionals to learn more about career paths for different fields and tips for getting involved in China. Students will also tour factories on the outskirts of Shanghai to explore one of China’s manufacturing and production centers and visit companies for behind-the-scenes tours of operations. This class will include occasional business-oriented Mandarin language lessons dependent on the level of the group. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in the basics of business in China, including historical perspectives and modern-day realities, an understanding of career possibilities in a variety of industries, and what it takes to make it as a businessperson in China today. Meets two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. ADDITIONAL FEE OF $350 FOR OPTIONAL COLLEGE CREDIT
  • China Business Today : In this half-day course, students will explore the rise of China as an economic leader and learn about the realities of doing business in China today. Teachers will combine discussions on finance, economics, market research, entrepreneurial practices, and production with occasional hands-on field trips to factories, company offices, and meetings with business leaders in Shanghai. Through case studies and simulations, students will engage with hot topics in the China business scene and build an understanding of cross-cultural differences in business etiquette and strategy between China and the west. Using Shanghai as a backdrop, the course will introduce students to Chinese history that has influenced China’s economic development and relationship with other countries. Professionals in various industries will visit the class as speakers to share their experiences in a variety of career fields. Students will gain an understanding of the basics of business in modern China and different avenues through which they could pursue a business career involving China. ADDITIONAL FEE OF $350 FOR OPTIONAL COLLEGE CREDIT
• TopChinese Language Courses
  • Mandarin Language Intensive (full day) : This full-day course offers an intensive Mandarin Chinese learning experience. It is open to students with no prior Mandarin experience as well as those who have previously studied Chinese. A diagnostic test will be given to students with prior experience to place them in appropriate language level groups. The course will cover speaking, reading, listening and writing, including pinyin and simplified characters. Class time will include a variety of interactive activities including vocabulary practice, games, pattern drills, and role plays. Students will participate in regular language projects both in and out of the classroom, including field trips to locations around Shanghai such as museums, train stations, and food markets to complete structured linguistic activities based on their language level. The intensive nature of the course will allow students to truly adopt Shanghai as their classroom and experience dramatic improvements in their Mandarin abilities and self-confidence. Meets two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. ADDITIONAL FEE OF $350 FOR OPTIONAL COLLEGE CREDIT
  • Mandarin Language Beginner : This half-day course will provide students with an introduction to Mandarin Chinese. Students will attend classes that address elementary Chinese conversation, listening, comprehension, Chinese culture, and language practice. The course will emphasize all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), including pinyin and simplified characters, with a special focus on practical linguistic skills needed to live, work, and travel in China. Through a variety of games, role plays, and team projects, teachers will utilize engaging and interactive activities to help students build a strong foundation in Mandarin. Students will participate in regular community language explorations around their own neighborhood and greater Shanghai to complete language tasks, such as scavenger hunts through food markets or bargaining practice. Small class sizes will ensure each student receives individual attention and support throughout the course. By the end of the program, students will have a solid understanding of the structure of Mandarin, be able to perform basic everyday tasks, read and write introductory characters, and feel confidence in their ability to learn Chinese. Meets two hours a day. ADDITIONAL FEE OF $350 FOR OPTIONAL COLLEGE CREDIT
  • Mandarin Language Intermediate : This half-day course is for students who have already begun a formalized study of Mandarin Chinese. Following a placement test, students will be assigned to a class appropriate to their language level. Small class sizes will allow instructors to address students’ individual strengths and challenges. Classes will address intermediate Chinese conversation, listening, comprehension, Chinese culture, and language practice. The course will emphasize all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), including pinyin and simplified characters. Instructors will emphasize practical Chinese communication through activities for students to engage with the local Chinese community. Students will participate in a weekly language project that will span a variety of linguistic functions, including activities like interviewing local Shanghai residents, creating short plays, writing songs, and teaching their classmates or Chinese peers new skills through demonstration speeches. Through these methods, teachers will build students’ confidence in using their language skills in real-world settings and expand upon their previous formal study of Mandarin. Meets two hours a day. ADDITIONAL FEE OF $350 FOR OPTIONAL COLLEGE CREDIT