Course Descriptions for Beijing

The following courses will be offered during the Fall 2012 program. This list is subject to change.

All program participants enroll in the following REQUIRED courses regardless of track:

Mandarin Language in China (6 credits): Participants take classes at tone of the three levels from early intermediate to advanced, and study conversation, composition, grammar, and reading. Apart from classroom language instruction, students supplement classroom study with field trips, individual projects, and the use of Chinese in everyday life. Taught in Mandarin. Fulfills Foreign Language breadth requirement at Skidmore. Required for all students.

Understanding China (3 credits): This course provides students with a broadest possible overview of Chinese history, politics, and society to prepare you for your future courses, travels, and time in Shanghai. Participants will explore a range of issues, both contemporary and historical. Required for all students.

In addition, students must enroll in either two elective courses or an internship and one elective course (3 credits each). You can find course offerings and descriptions for each track below: