Chengdu Courses – 2023 Summer Session II

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Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.

Courses

You may take three to seven credits in Session I and three to five credits in Session II. Session II students taking intensive Chinese language as one of their courses may take six credits. At least one 3-credit course is required each session you are enrolled. Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.

Click the course title to view course details, description, and availability.

Chinese Language Studies

Summer language courses are intensive, with one to four credits of Chinese taught in each session. Language courses have a maximum enrollment of 12 students each. You are required to take a Chinese language or conversation course appropriate to your level to help you to assimilate into the community. Higher levels are available for advanced speakers.

Session I

• Introduction to Chinese Language I

  Summer Session II

  100-level 1 credit Taught in English and Chinese Cancelled

  This course is for beginner Chinese language learners who are interested in improving their language skills to function in a Chinese speaking society. Subjects and themes for each session are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of visiting students and the vocabulary words reflect what students are likely to encounter in daily life. Students will focus on speaking and listening comprehension. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities.

• Elementary Chinese I

  Summer Session I

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in Chinese Cancelled

  This introductory course in Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) language is designed for beginners of Chinese study. It aims to develop the student’s functional language ability—the ability to use Mandarin Chinese in linguistically and socially appropriate ways. Emphasis is laid on training students in the four language skills, namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing, where speaking takes the lead. Various classroom activities, teacher-guide or students-centered, such as questions and answers, roll playing, pattern skills, dialogues, and oral presentations, provide the opportunity to practice speaking and listening.

• Intermediate Chinese I

  Summer Session I

  Chinese 200-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese Cancelled

  This course is for the third-year students of the modern Chinese language and the equivalent (i.e., those who have completed primary Chinese language at the elementary and intermediate level). This course is designed to develop further the students’ listening comprehension, speaking skills, grammar, reading and writing proficiency in Chinese. Various activities - discussions, oral presentations, conversions - will provide the opportunity to practice speaking and listening. Class participation is therefore essential. In addition, outside classroom activities such as shopping, going to a restaurant, interviewing people according to the given topics are included.

  Prerequisite: two semesters of college Chinese.

• Advanced Chinese I

  Summer Session I

  Chinese 300-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese Cancelled

  This course is for the third-year students of the modern Chinese language and the equivalent (i.e., those who have completed primary Chinese language at the elementary and intermediate level). This course is designed to develop further the students’ listening comprehension, speaking skills, grammar, reading and writing proficiency in Chinese. Various activities - discussions, oral presentations, conversions - will provide the opportunity to practice speaking and listening. Class participation is therefore essential. In addition, outside classroom activities such as shopping, going to a restaurant, interviewing people according to the given topics are included.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college Chinese.

Session II

• Introduction to Chinese Language I

  Summer Session II

  100-level 1 credit Taught in English and Chinese Cancelled

  This course is for beginner Chinese language learners who are interested in improving their language skills to function in a Chinese speaking society. Subjects and themes for each session are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of visiting students and the vocabulary words reflect what students are likely to encounter in daily life. Students will focus on speaking and listening comprehension. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities.

• Elementary Chinese II

  Summer Session II

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in Chinese Cancelled

  This introductory course in Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) language is designed for beginners of Chinese study. It aims to develop the student’s functional language ability—the ability to use Mandarin Chinese in linguistically and socially appropriate ways. Emphasis is laid on training students in the four language skills, namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing, where speaking takes the lead. Various classroom activities, teacher-guide or students-centered, such as questions and answers, roll playing, pattern skills, dialogues, and oral presentations, provide the opportunity to practice speaking and listening.

  Prerequisite: one semester of college Chinese.

• Intermediate Chinese II

  Summer Session II

  Chinese 200-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese Cancelled

  This course is a continuation of Intermediate Chinese I and is designed to further develop the students’ listening comprehension, speaking skills, reading and writing proficiency in Chinese. New grammar points will be introduced, and selected grammar points are reviewed during class sessions. Various activities - discussions, oral presentations, conversions - will provide the opportunity to practice on speaking and listening, class participation is therefore essential.

  Prerequisite: three semesters of college Chinese.

• Advanced Chinese II

  Summer Session II

  Chinese 300-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese Cancelled

  This course is for the third-year students of the modern Chinese language and the equivalent (i.e., those who have completed primary Chinese language at the elementary and intermediate level). This course is designed to develop further the students’ listening comprehension, speaking skills, grammar, reading and writing proficiency in Chinese. Various activities - discussions, oral presentations, conversions - will provide the opportunity to practice speaking and listening. Class participation is therefore essential. In addition, outside classroom activities such as shopping, going to a restaurant, interviewing people according to the given topics are included.

  Prerequisite: five semesters of college Chinese.

Chinese Culture Studies and International Relations

The following courses are designed to familiarize you with the region and provide a multi-disciplinary perspective to your studies.

Session I

• Chinese Economy

  Summer Session I

  Economics General Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English Cancelled

  Students will apply theories to various Chinese economic policies and complete a historical examination of China’s economic development with a special emphasis on its varying development strategies, and its prospects. This course is designed to create a space for students to discuss and debate difficult topics within economic development and Chinese economic policies.

  Prerequisites: Introductory-level economics or economic theory course recommended

• Government and Politics in China

  Summer Session I

  Political Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English Cancelled

  This course is designed for students to expand their knowledge of the government and politics of China while developing analytical and research writing skills. It will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese society from 1949 to the present (concentrate on after the Open and Reform Policy). Chinese history, culture, social and political system will be introduced in this class. Methodology includes introduction, discussions, analysis, comparison, and seminars.

  Prerequisite: college political science or research writing course

• Sichuan Cuisine

  Summer Session I

  Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English/Chinese Cancelled

  An introduction to a local cuisine in a hands-on kitchen environment. Authentic preparations of several local dishes will be taught. Correct cooking techniques are emphasized. Readings and lectures on local food customs and traditions will support and contextualize the cooking instruction.

Session II

• Ancient Chinese History

  Summer Session II

  History 400-level 3 credits Taught in English Cancelled

  This course will cover topics related to Chinese history, from the origination of Chinese civilization to the early 1600s. Students will examine the evolution and development of different ethnic groups and the tradition, culture, philosophical thoughts, political organizations, social structures, economic situations, religious practice, and foreign relations in ancient China.

  Prerequisites: one semester of college history

• Modern Chinese Culture and Society

  Summer Session II

  Chinese 200-level 3 credits Taught in English Cancelled

  Students will evaluate Chinese culture and society by means of a descriptive and analytic survey of chosen topics. While focusing on the cultural and social mainstream of contemporary China, the course also presents and analyzes various historic events, legends, traditions, ancient philosophies, religions and social norms in a sociological and economic perspective so as to enable students to have a better understanding of the evolution of and interactions between the Chinese culture and society.

  Field trips to museums and theatre of Sichuan opera are part of the course.

  Major topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Social Norms as Reflected in the Chinese Characters

  • Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Their Influence on the Chinese Culture and Society

  • Chinese Ethnic Minorities

  • Education in China

  • Sex, Marriage and Family Life in China, Today and the Past

  • Family Plan and Birth Control

  • Cultural Revolution

  • China’s Economic Reform and Opening Up Policies

  • Holidays and Traditional Festivals: Their Folkloric Origin and Modern Impacts

• Sichuan Cuisine

  Summer Session I

  Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English/Chinese Cancelled

  An introduction to a local cuisine in a hands-on kitchen environment. Authentic preparations of several local dishes will be taught. Correct cooking techniques are emphasized. Readings and lectures on local food customs and traditions will support and contextualize the cooking instruction.

To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu