T4223 DOING BUSINESS WITH 21ST CENTURY CHINA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

January 2-24, 2014

Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hong Kong

Academic Overview
The course will enable students to comprehend the massive social, economic and cultural changes taking place in China as it becomes a leader in the world. The journey begins in Beijing where students will see world-renowned historic sights and start to understand the rich cultural history of China. Students will learn about the Chinese central government and the role of central planning. Important historic sites as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square will offer significant opportunities to learn about the Chinese history and economy, including the tourism industry, the retail sector, and the transportation sector. Shanghai offers an opportunity to study the financial industry of China and understand how Shanghai has emerged as a major player in international finance. Shanghai also presents an opportunity to study the rise in consumerism and the significant presence of western brands in China. The visit to Chengdu provides an opportunity to see the interior of China and visit a major University. Hong Kong presents an interesting contrast to Shanghai as China has given the former considerable autonomy even as it tries to integrate it into the mainland.

Comprehensive Fee
Costs: $5845-6145*
*Each home institution may have supplementary fees in addition to the price listed.
Comprehensive Fee Includes: Transportation and course arrangements as indicated, hotel accommodations in twin and triple rooms, Western breakfast daily, ten lunches, eleven dinners and two cultural performances. (subject to change)

Prerequisites
The course does not have any academic prerequisites.

Required Readings
“When China Rules The World: The Rise of the Middle Kingdom and the End of the Western World” by Martin Jacques, 2012.

Evaluation
10% Online Quiz
30% Journal of observations
40% A final paper
20% Participation

Faculty Directors

Gurram Gopal, Ph.D., Elmhurst College (630) 617-3108
Bruce Fischer, Ph.D., Elmhurst College (630) 617-3408

Description of Faculty Directors

Dr. Gopal, Center for Business and Economics at Elmhurst College, worked in global companies for 15 years. He has taught courses on Global Business and Int’l Marketing. He is an active researcher and consultant on global supply chain management. Dr. Gopal has taken students to Turkey and has led UMAIE courses to India. He obtained his B.Tech from IIT Madras and his Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Dr. Fischer, Center for Business and Economics at Elmhurst College, has taught Global Business and has taken students to Poland for internships. Also, he’s consulted for corporations in Canada and Poland and has worked with businesses in Russia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and several other Arab countries. Dr. Fischer taught entrepreneurship for the Ministry of Privatization in Poland and lectured at Al Azhar University in Cario. He developed and led this UMAIE course to India in January 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2012.

Final Application Deadline: October 1, 2013

For more information on course content, contact Prof. Guram Gopal
On application procedures or logistical information, contact your study abroad office.