Shanghai Courses – 2025 Summer Session I
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 during each session. 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 two to five credits of Chinese taught each session. You are required to take a Chinese language or conversation course appropriate to your level to help you to assimilate into the community. Chinese Conversation is highly recommended to complement Intermediate Chinese I through Advanced Chinese II.
Session I
- Summer Session IChinese 100-level 2 credits Taught in English and ChineseSummer Session IIChinese 100-level 2 credits Taught in English and Chinese
This is an introductory Chinese class. The main focuses of the class will be placed on recognizing the four tones in Putonghua (Mandarin Chinese), practicing pronunciation, learning vocabulary and expressions that are related to student daily life in a foreign country, and building fundamentals in Chinese grammar. An introduction on the origin and structure of Chinese characters (Han Zi, the writing script) will also be introduced.
Required if not taking intensive Chinese language.
- Summer Session IChinese World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in Chinese
In this class, you will develop the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in modern Chinese. In class, you will practice speaking and listening skills in Mandarin Chinese (known as “Putonghua” - lit. “common speech” - in the Mainland China, and “Guoyu” - lit. “national language” - elsewhere) through instructional activities and assessment activities, and role plays, etc.
However, this class is not a conversational class. Reading and writing skills are essential and indispensable components of Chinese literacy. Students are expected to write and recognize Chinese characters covered in the text material.
This course will also introduce Chinese culture and traditions through the language learning.
- Summer Session IChinese 200-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese
This course 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: two semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent
- Summer Session IChinese 300-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese
This course focuses on developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Mandarin Chinese through the intensive study of vocabulary, phrases and constructions, and reading and writing exercises that emphasize the practical use of the Chinese language as well as Chinese culture and society. This course also prepares students for the Chinese HSK Proficiency Test level 4.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent
- Summer Session IChinese 200-level 2 credits Taught in ChineseSummer Session IIChinese 200-level 2 credits Taught in Chinese
The objective of Chinese Conversation is to help beginning Chinese speakers function in a Chinese speaking society. Subjects and themes will be tailored to facilitate the needs of visiting students, and vocabulary study will reflect what students are likely to encounter in daily life. Complete understanding of the brief grammar section will be paramount to a student’s success. However, it will still primarily emphasize speaking and listening comprehension. Study of written Chinese will be limited to what will be necessary for students to engage themselves in daily life. Active participation in class is both encouraged and expected, and questions are welcome.
Required for students not taking intensive Chinese language
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent
Session II
- Summer Session IChinese 100-level 2 credits Taught in English and ChineseSummer Session IIChinese 100-level 2 credits Taught in English and Chinese
This is an introductory Chinese class. The main focuses of the class will be placed on recognizing the four tones in Putonghua (Mandarin Chinese), practicing pronunciation, learning vocabulary and expressions that are related to student daily life in a foreign country, and building fundamentals in Chinese grammar. An introduction on the origin and structure of Chinese characters (Han Zi, the writing script) will also be introduced.
Required if not taking intensive Chinese language.
- Summer Session IIChinese 100-level 2 credits Taught in English and Chinese
Introduction to the language through the development of language skills and through structural analysis. The fundamentals of grammar (all verb tenses), vocabulary, and useful expressions are studied. Includes an introduction to Chinese culture.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Chinese Language I, or equivalent.
- Summer Session IIChinese World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in Chinese
In this class, you will develop the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in modern Chinese. In class, you will practice speaking and listening skills in Mandarin Chinese (known as “Putonghua” - lit. “common speech” - in the Mainland China, and “Guoyu” - lit. “national language” - elsewhere) through instructional activities and assessment activities, and role plays, etc.
However, this class is not a conversational class. Reading and writing skills are essential and indispensable components of Chinese literacy. Students are expected to write and recognize Chinese characters covered in the text material.
This course will also introduce Chinese culture and traditions through the language learning.
Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Chinese, or equivalent
- Summer Session IIChinese World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese
Students will mainly focus on improving their Chinese pronunciation and tones, learning new grammar patterns and practicing the newly learned grammar and vocabulary. Organized in-class activities include daily dictation, quizzes, memorizing text and completing oral exercises such as retelling stories, making up dialogues, giving presentations, and performing skits. Students will study a variety of texts that reflect topics including culture, simple academic subjects, political issues, as well as controversial issues and events. Students will expand their vocabulary and enhance their grammar rapidly to handle these broad subjects.
Prerequisite: three semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent
- Summer Session IIChinese 300-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese
This course focuses on developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Mandarin Chinese through the intensive study of vocabulary, phrases and constructions, and reading and writing exercises that emphasize the practical use of the Chinese language as well as Chinese culture and society. This course also prepares students for the Chinese HSK Proficiency Test level 4.
Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent
- Summer Session IChinese 200-level 2 credits Taught in ChineseSummer Session IIChinese 200-level 2 credits Taught in Chinese
The objective of Chinese Conversation is to help beginning Chinese speakers function in a Chinese speaking society. Subjects and themes will be tailored to facilitate the needs of visiting students, and vocabulary study will reflect what students are likely to encounter in daily life. Complete understanding of the brief grammar section will be paramount to a student’s success. However, it will still primarily emphasize speaking and listening comprehension. Study of written Chinese will be limited to what will be necessary for students to engage themselves in daily life. Active participation in class is both encouraged and expected, and questions are welcome.
Required for students not taking intensive Chinese language
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent
International Business and Electives
The following courses are designed to familiarize you with the region and provide a multi-disciplinary perspective to your studies.
Session I
- Summer Session IGeneral Business Political Science Sociology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course aims to explore the various elements of China’s rapid rise over the past decades, often depicted as the “China Miracle” or “China Phenomenon.” Highlighting the most salient issues and problems faced by China in political, economic, social and international arenas, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to the historical background, institutions, progresses and challenges of China’s modern development as well as its implications to the world.
- Summer Session IArt Chinese 200-level 2 credits Taught in English
In this course, students will learn the fundamental techniques and styles of Chinese calligraphy, including regular script, running script, and cursive script. Participants will engage in hands-on practice to develop their skills in brushwork, ink application, and composition, emphasizing the aesthetics and philosophy behind each character. The course will include demonstrations, guided exercises, and opportunities for individual creativity, allowing students to create their own calligraphic works.
This course has an additional fee
- Summer Session IInternational Business Marketing 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course is designed to enable students to develop marketing strategies and plans in and across a range of international market environments. While extending students' strategic marketing skills in a global context, students will also develop knowledge and skills in international marketing processes by analyzing real world business case studies and developing creative strategies to enhance the growth of organizations.
Session II
- Summer Session IIEntrepreneurship General Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course is designed to teach students about entrepreneurship and give them actual hands on experience as to what it takes to transform an idea into a fundable business. The course will cover all of the elements an entrepreneur starting a new business must go through to be properly prepared to start, grow and run a successful business. Major elements will include developing soft skills in team building and leadership, developing a due diligence and presentation package, selecting and working with investors, the “Pitch” and what to expect after funding.
Prerequisites: One semester of introductory-level college business or entrepreneurship
- Summer Session IIInternational Business Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course emphasizes the managerial process in the international environment and provides an operational assessment of the fundamental issues involved in the management of international and multinational corporations. Instruction focuses on analyzing case studies related to upper and middle management issues, although the lessons apply to all levels and functions of international operations. Topics include matching foreign investment strategies with local conditions, managing export/import operations, trade and direct investment, local sourcing versus importing components, licensing and international joint venturing, designing organizational structures that match changing international conditions, managing a global structure, managing political risks, acquisitions, and integrating new businesses and dealing with international ethical considerations.
- Summer Session II100-level 1 credit Taught in English
Tai Chi is a Chinese Kungfu that incorporates mental and physical exercise. Students will develop knowledge of the historical and cultural significance of Tai Chi in addition to the physical activity.
This course has an additional fee
To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu