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China is one of the cradles of civilization. It has also risen from a third-world country to the second largest economy in the world in the span of 40 years. A famous phrase says that when China the sleeping dragon awakes the world will tremble. So, what is the relationship between the Chinese civilization and the millions of entrepreneurs that make up the vast and vibrant Chinese economy? This travel course introduces students to the history, philosophy, and culture of China, particularly in relation to how they shape the way Chinese start and build companies, engage with business partners and stakeholders, and enact strategic growth and competition. Students will acquire knowledge from the instructor as well as professors and experts in China about core elements of Chinese culture such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The concepts of Benevolence, Justice, Yin-Yang, the Five Phases, Non-Action, and Change will be emphasized. Tours to historical sites of cultural and spiritual significance will complement the learning. Equipped with a deeper understanding of the Chinese mind, students will explore contemporary Chinese businesses by working on case studies of exceptional Chinese companies, visiting business sites, and interacting with Chinese managers and entrepreneurs. Topics include but are not limited to: Chinese management and leadership styles, the role of guanxi and renqing in conducting business, China’s legal and institutional systems, corporate culture, growth strategies, domestic competitive dynamics, and opportunities and challenges for Chinese companies to expand internationally.

• Saturday, Jan. 3: Depart from SFO
• Sunday, Jan. 4: Arrive at PEK (Beijing)

Week 1 

• Monday, Jan. 5: Beijing 
  Class topics: Course introduction, Text by Confucius
• Tuesday, Jan. 6: Beijing
  Class topics: Text by Mencius, Lecture and discussion on Chinese economy and society
• Wednesday, Jan. 7: Visit cultural sites
• Thursday, Jan. 8: Visit cultural sites
  Class topics: Text from Dao De Jing by Laozi, Text by Zhuangzi, Lecture and discussion on China’s entrepreneurship, business relations, and management styles
• Friday, Jan. 9: Visit cultural sites
  Class topics: Reflections on the impact of Confucianism and Daoism on contemporary business practices

Week 2

• Monday, Jan. 12: Beijing
  Class topics: Text of Art of War by Sunzi, Lecture and discussion on competitive strategies in the Chinese domestic market
• Tuesday, Jan. 13: Visit cultural sites
• Wednesday, Jan. 14: Beijing
  Class topics: Chinese Buddhism, History in Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, Lecture and discussion on the international expansion of Chinese companies
• Thursday, Jan. 15: Visit Chinese companies
• Friday, Jan. 16: Visit Chinese companies
  Class topics: Reflections on the role of Chinese culture and history in Chinese business strategies

Week 3

• Monday, Jan. 19: Visit Chinese companies.
  Class topics: Neo-Confucianism, History in Song and Ming dynasties 
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: Visit Chinese companies
• Wednesday, Jan. 21: Beijing
  Class topics: History in Qing dynasty, the republic era, communist revolution, and post-1949
• Thursday, Jan. 22: Visit Chinese cultural sites
• Friday, Jan. 23: Beijing
  Class topic: Team work on final project supervised by co-instructors and local professors
• Saturday, Jan. 24: Depart from PEK, Arrive in SFO

Course Fee: TBD
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Travel Insurance ($35/student - international classes only), Miscellaneous, fees paid to local partner university or educational agency

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
$500-800