Business Chinese

Catalog description

This is a three-credit course designed for those who have completed Level Two Chinese or the equivalent. Business knowledge is presented as a means to facilitate language learning, while the content-based materials enhance cultural awareness. Emphasis will be given to helping students gain the linguistic skills that characterize advanced level second language learners, especially linguistic conventions essential to functioning in business environments. Real cases involving successful multinational Chinese and foreign companies and issues such as marketing, branding, mergers and acquisitions, OEM, and international expansion will be used as texts. The selected textbook is in Chinese with English explanations, but students will be guided through in-class discussions in Chinese. Approximately 80% of the instructional language will be conducted in Chinese. This course is designed to give students exposure to China's vibrant business scene and to enhance both their Chinese skills in the business context and their understanding of the social and cultural aspects of "doing business" in China and the impact of Chinese economy in the globalization era. Students will discuss real business cases from multinational companies that have successfully entered the Chinese market and from large Chinese corporations that have been successful in the global market, especially in the United States. By reading, discussing, and performing communicative tasks related to those cases, students will learn how to use Chinese as a "carrier of culture", thus acquiring a better understanding of China in economic and cultural terms. In addition to the business case analysis, supplementary reading, writing and listening exercises as well as media materials, such as clips of Chinese talk shows and television interviews, will also be provided. Highlights of these exercises are: listening comprehension of business news reports on current issues; analysis of the Chinese financial market; discussion of Chinese business laws, translation of business terms and documents, and commercial language and word processing. Students are supported and guided through the course as they develop the skills they need to continue learning on their own. Students are encouraged to explore and keep up to date with new developments in China's economy through their own efforts, thus developing an independent learning style and connecting classroom learning to the real world.