Shanghai Courses – 2027 Spring

USAC Course Descriptions

Click the course title to view course details, description and availability. To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu

• Advanced Chinese I

  Fall

  Chinese 300-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  Spring

  Chinese 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

• Advanced Chinese II

  Fall

  Chinese 300-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  Spring

  Chinese 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

• Advanced Chinese III

  Fall

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  Spring

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  This course is the highest-level language course in the intensive tracks. Therefore, it is challenging and demanding. Students who enter this course should have already built solid foundation in the four language skills. The mastery of vocabulary in Chinese is approximately 1200 words prior to beginning the course. Chinese is expected to be the only language used during class. The course material adopts content presented in Chinese literature, newspaper, TV shows, etc. to discuss issues such as education, environmental protection, technology, Chinese culture and traditions, etc.

  Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent

• Advanced Chinese IV

  Fall

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  Spring

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  This course is the highest-level language course in the intensive tracks. Therefore, it is challenging and demanding. Students who enter this course should have already built solid foundation in the four language skills. The mastery of vocabulary in Chinese is approximately 1200 words prior to beginning the course. Chinese is expected to be the only language used during class. The course material adopts content presented in Chinese literature, newspaper, TV shows, etc. to discuss issues such as education, environmental protection, technology, Chinese culture and traditions, etc.

  Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent

• China's Financial Markets

  Spring

  Finance International Business 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course focuses on the study of the international business environment faced by the companies which do business with other overseas entities as well as residents in an open economy. The course is designed as an introduction to the theory and application of international monetary and financial economics. The material covered will include international financial activities, international reserves, and international monetary system.

  The course will also discuss the 'major' equilibrium relationships or parity conditions that form the basis of theories of exchange rate determination, hedging foreign exchange risk which allows a greater understanding of the risks and opportunities faced by Firms or individuals

  Other topics that will be touched upon include international bond and equity markets and international banking system.

  Since the world of international finance is ever-changing with exciting events impacting the topics on a daily basis. It should be noted that the course is may involve current events. So the course will be probably talked by discussing some issues appearing in periodicals, such as The Wall Street Journal or Chinese Magazines.

• Chinese Business Issues and Practices

  Spring

  International Business Management 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese business issues and practices, addressing key topical issues of modern Chinese business and considers how these issues are developing in the various stages and different industries in China.

• Chinese Calligraphy and Painting

  Fall

  Art 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Art 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

  We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.

  This course has an additional fee

• Chinese Conversation

  Fall

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  Spring

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  This course aims to further develop student’s communicative skills in Mandarin Chinese. Based upon thematic materials, students will expand their vocabulary, polish four tones in Mandarin Chinese and build the flow of Chinese speech through intensive practicing in classroom and outside with the teaching assistants.

  Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent

• Chinese Cuisine

  Fall

  Spring

  The Chinese Cuisine workshop offers an immersive experience for students passionate about cooking, providing them the chance to learn about and prepare traditional Chinese dishes from Shanghai, Sichuan, Cantonese and Huaiyang Cuisine.

  The workshop menu is seasonal and updated based on the availability of fresh market products, ensuring a unique and varied menu with each session.

  This workshop has an additional fee.

  This workshop requires a minimum enrollment of five students to run.

• Chinese E-Commerce

  Fall

  General Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  General Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.

• Chinese Fintech and Finlife

  Fall

  Finance General Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Finance General Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.

• Chinese for Business Professionals

  Fall

  Chinese 400-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  Spring

  Chinese 400-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  This course is designed to prepare students for the business world in contemporary Chinese societies, including contemporary usage of business Chinese, Chinese business culture and customs, and preparation for working and living in China. Students will be able to develop reading, listening, speaking, and writing abilities, as well as practical skills of communication in Chinese business culture.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Chinese, or equivalent

• Comparative Economic Systems

  Fall

  Economics 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.

• Contemporary Chinese Foreign Relations

  Spring

  Economics Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course aims to introduce major features and issues of China’s foreign relations since the period of reform and opening-up (gaige kaifang) in the late 1970s. Focusing on the background and rationale of China’s foreign-policy making, this course explores China’s foreign behavior in the context of globalization and power shifts of the world, in order to help students understand the trajectory and implications of China’s growing engagement in global affairs and, on this basis, develop their own insights into China’s future paths on the world stage.

• Elementary Chinese I

  Fall

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

  Spring

  Chinese 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.

• Elementary Chinese II

  Fall

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

  Spring

  Chinese 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

• Entrepreneurship in a Global Market

  Fall

  Entrepreneurship 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

• Government and Politics in China

  Fall

  Political Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  In this course, students will analyze the Chinese political system and its policies and evaluate the Chinese governmental structure and ideologies. Students will be expected to attend class with a critical evaluation of assigned readings, actively participate in class discussion, and conduct research analyses based on the topics discussed in class.

  Prerequisites: one semester of college-level political science

• History of Modern China

  Fall

  History 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course explores the history of modern China from collapse of the imperial order to the present contextualizes China’s continuous revolution; emphasizes political culture and social transformation. Students will learn how modernization and industrialization manifested at the national level, and experience firsthand how it has influenced the people and the culture.

  Prerequisites: one semester of college-level history, political science, or international relations

• Intermediate Chinese I

  Fall

  Chinese 200-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  Spring

  Chinese 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

• Intermediate Chinese II

  Fall

  Chinese World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in Chinese

  Spring

  Chinese 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

• International Business Management

  Fall

  International 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.

• International Marketing

  Spring

  International 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.

• Managing in a Global Economy with Emphasis on China

  Spring

  International Business Management 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  The world economy is in a state of rapid and disproportionate growth driven by the slow but strong economic growth of developed countries and the fast catching-up of developing countries, which many label as a state of ‘stable disequilibrium’. This course will allow students to develop a better understanding of this economic condition through an analysis of political and cultural environments; basic knowledge in foreign trade and foreign economic cooperation as well as the international monetary system; strategic formulation and implementation; and finally, global business operations.

• Modern Chinese Society

  Spring

  Anthropology Sociology 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

  The course is to illustrate cultural and social mainstream of contemporary China, to familiarize students with the underlying values and practices that shape modern Chinese, with presentations, film clips and analysis on various historic events, legends, traditions, ancient philosophies, religions and social norms in a sociological and economic perspective.

• Principles of Managerial Finance

  Fall

  Finance General Business 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.

• Supply Chain Management

  Spring

  Supply Chain Management 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.

• Tai Chi

  Fall

  100-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Spring

  100-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

• The Chinese Consumer

  Fall

  Marketing 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  We’re excited to introduce this new course option as course details are being finalized. Please check back after 1/15 for full course details.