Proposal Forgeneral Education Program Courses

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

PROPOSAL FORGENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM COURSES

Department __Global Studies & World Languages______Date _1/20/12______

_GS300______Contemporary China ______3/4______

Course No.Course NameCredits

Prerequisites__None______

GEP Goal Area(s):*

CORE GOAL AREAS

_____Goal 1: Communication
_____Goal 3:Natural Science
_____Goal 4:Mathematics/Logical Reasoning
__X_ Goal 5:History and the Social and Behavioral

Sciences
____Goal 6:The Humanities and Fine Arts

THEME GOAL AREAS
_____Goal 7:Human Diversity
__X_Goal 8:Global Perspective
_____Goal 9:Ethical and Civic Responsibility

_____Goal 10: People and the Environment

* Courses may be submitted for up to two Goal Areas.

Additional Requirement Categories:

_____Intensive:

_____ 1. Writing

_____ 2. Oral Communication

_____ 3. a. Mathematics/Statistics

_____ b. Critical Analysis

_____ Physical Development and Wellness

Provide information as specified in the previous directions.

Attach a General Education Program Approval Form.

Department Contact Person for this Proposal:

_Dr. Weidong ______

Name (please print)Phone e-mail address

[Revised 9-6-11]

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM APPROVAL FORM

Routing form for General Education Program Course approval. Course GS 300______

Department Approval
______
Department Chair Datee-mail address
Dean’s Recommendation_____ Yes _____ No*
______
Dean of College Date
*If the dean does not approve the proposal, a written rationale shall be provided to the General Education Program Subcommittee.
GEPS Recommendation_____ Approved_____ Disapproved
______
General Education Program Director Date
A2C2 Recommendation_____ Approved_____ Disapproved
______
Chair of A2C2 Date
Faculty Senate Recommendation_____ Approved_____ Disapproved
______
President of Faculty Senate Date
Academic Vice President Recommendation_____ Approved_____ Disapproved
______
Academic Vice President Date
Decision of President_____ Approved_____ Disapproved
______
President Date
Please forward to Registrar.
Registrar ______Please notify department chair via e-mail that curricular change has been recorded.
Date entered

[Revised 7-13-11]

GEP CATEGORIES REQUESTED

Goal 6:The Humanities and Fine Arts

Application for GS300: Contemporary China to satisfy Goal Area 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

Note: Course already approved to satisfy Goal Area 8: Global Perspectives

COURSE OUTLINE

This course provides an overview of the rise of China and the changes and challenges occurring in Chinese society. Building upon a description of its culture, history and people, the course will enable students to develop a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of contemporary China by looking at various aspects of Chinese society, ranging from its politics, economy, military, development of science and technologies, educational system, its evolving value system, to various society issues facing China, and its international relations and its growing importance and influence in the world.

This course will cover the following topics:

Major topic 1: Introduction to the Course: Defining Contemporary China

Major topic 2: Geographical and Demographical Context: The Land and the People

Major topic 3 The Historical Context

Major topic 4: The Cultural Context

Major topic 5: Center and Margin: Minority and Ethnic Relations and Cross-Taiwan-Strait Relations

Major topic 6: Politics in China: Party, Political system and political reform

Major topic 7: Chinese Military Build-up and Advances

Major topic 8: Economic Reform and its Implication

Major topic 9: Education/ Science and Technologies in China

Major topic 10: Social Issues and Construction of Harmonious Society

Major topic 11: To Fuel the Growth: Energy & Environment issues

Major topic 12: Towards a Harmonious World: A Chinese Approach to International relations

Major topic 13-16: Answer to China Rise: Challenges and Opportunities

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

1.To describe the history of China and its culture along with characteristics of its people;

2.To analyze the reasons for its dramatic rise to power and integration into the world economy by looking at the changes in its economic, social and political system; and

3.To discuss its international relations by analyzing its foreign policy objectives and how they affect the policies of its neighbors and the rest of the world.

4.To discuss the opportunities and challenges the changes taking place in China pose to the rest of the world.

5. Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon and come to an understanding of your global citizenship responsibilities in light of what you are learning about the peoples and cultures of China.

STUDENT COMPETENCIES, LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, & ASSESSMENT PLAN

Student Competencies / Learning Activities & Opportunities / Assessment Plan
Students will be able to:
Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition; / Students will examine, identify, analyze, the changing human condition in contemporary China, through various methods and data, such as historical, cultural, political, sociological approaches. / Class discussion, online discussion, assignments, an interview, a research paper and presentation on issues in contemporary China. Presentation and paper will focus on using methods and data to report on information from assigned readings as well as analyze information chosen for the group presentation.
Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and culture / Students will examine, describe and analyze various social institutions and processes in contemporary China. / Class discussion, online discussion, assignments, an interview, a research paper and presentation on issues in contemporary China. Students will look into social changes in three decades of reform era in China after 1978. They will examine social insitutions and processes, ranging from its politics, economy, culture, military, science and technologies, educational system, international relations, to the whole process of economic reform and opening-up, in a large socio-cultural context.
Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories;
Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues. / Students will explore a large variety of issues facing contemporary China, ranging from political, economic, social inequality, environmental issues, population issues, etc. We will look at alternative explanations and solutions for current events and issues. / Class discussion, online discussion, assignments, an interview, a research paper and presentation on issues in contemporary China. Papers and presentations will allow for critical thinking about solutions for issues that are raised.

COURSE SYLLABUS

GS 300: Contemporary China

Global Studies & World Languages, Winona State University

Class hours and Location: MW 3:00-4:20 PM, 237 Minne Hall

Instructor:

Weidong Zhang, Ph.D Office: 114 Minné Hall;

Phone:（507）474-5790; Email:

Office hours: 11:00 ~ 12:00 pm Monday through Friday, or by appointment

Course Page:

Course Description and Objectives:

This is a University Studies Program course and meets the requirements of the Global Perspectives section of Unity and Diversity category. As such this course has the following general and particular objectives.

The objectives of this course are:

To describe the history of China and its culture along with characteristics of its people;

To analyze the reasons for its dramatic rise to power and integration into the world economy by looking at the changes in its economic, social and political system; and

To discuss its international relations by analyzing its foreign policy objectives and how they affect the policies of its neighbors and the rest of the world.

To discuss the opportunities and challenges the changes taking place in China pose to the rest of the world.

Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon and come to an understanding of your global citizenship responsibilities in light of what you are learning about the peoples and cultures of China.

Course materials:

Robert E. Gamer, Understanding Contemporary China, (3rd Edition). Lynne Rienner Publishers, August 2008

United Nations Development Program. (2010). China Human Development Report, 2009-2010: China and a Sustainable Future: Towards a Low Carbon Economy and Society. Available at:

China’s Progress Towards the Millennium Development Goals 2010 Report

Available at:

Additional required reading assignments will be posted on D2L.

Films and video clips will be shown in class and might be followed by discussion if time allows.

Recommended Websites on China

China.org.cn:

China the Beautiful:

CCTV International:

CNTV:

China Radio International:

Xinhua News Agency:

People’s Daily:

Global Times:

Caijing: (China’s leading Business magazine):

Centrial Government of China:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China:

Ministry of Commerce of China:

Ministry of National Defense:

Course requirementsand Grading Method:

Students are required to understand each topic and do further reading and research. You are also encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and online discussions, report news about China to class, and share ideas with others. Grading will be based on exams, essays, presentations and class participation.

All students taking this course will be evaluated on the basis of the following:

Two exams- one mid term and one final. Both exams will require you to write short essays in the form of answers to questions. 40 points x2=80 points
Two essays (20 points each) and One final research paper (40 points) on a contemporary issue in China approved by the instructor 80 points
Class presentation 40 points
General class participation/ classroom and 30
Online discussion 20 points

Total 250 points

Essay 1: Interview with a Chinese student on the topic of cultural similarities and differences. The purpose of this assignment is to learn and understand Chinese culture through direct interaction with people from China. 2 pages in length (double-spaced, font 12, and 1 inch margins).

Essay 2: Reflection paper on Chinese economy and me: The purpose of this reflection paper is to understand the impact of rapidly developing Chinese economy on a personal level. In this reflection paper, you write about your own personal experiences and analyze them, give your opinions, views, or thoughts. You may discuss your own experiences as an individual and relate these experiences to problems that you studied in the course. This may require some research. You may need to learn about the subject by reading books and articles, etc., and then use your own experiences as examples.Itshould be 2 pages in length (double-spaced, font 12, and 1 inch margins).

The mid-term exam and final exam: consistsof matching questions, short answers/identifications and essay questions on the readings and class discussions.

Group project and final paper: Students are required to select a topic for your term paper that addresses the implications of rapid changes in China either for the Chinese society, or for the rest of the world, e.g., China’s economic development and its physical environment; China and its neighbors; China’s trading policies and their global impact.Itshould be 5-8 pages in length (double-spaced, font 12, and 1 inch margins).

Your grade will be determined on the basis of the following scale:

A / 90-100% / 225-250 points
B / 80-89.9% / 200-224 points
C / 70-79.9% / 175-199 points
D / 60-69.9% / 150-174 points
F / Less than 60% / Less than 150 points

For students who take this course as a 4-credit course, you will be doing extra work to earn the extra credit:

1. You will be in charge of and leading an online discussion for one whole week.

2. You will be writing an 8-10 page final research paper.

Policy on Attendance and Tardiness:

Attendance in class is required. If you have more than two unexcused absences, your participation grade will likely be lowered. Being regularly late for class will negatively affect your participation grade. Professionalism requires that you communicate anticipated absences in advance to me and arrange to receive class notes and assignments from classmates.

Academic Integrity Policy:

From the WSU academic policy: "Academic integrity at Winona State University is based on honesty. The University community requires that work produced by students represents their personal efforts and requires that they properly acknowledge the intellectual contributions of others.

WSU Students are required to adhere to the University's standards of academic integrity. The following are examples, not intended to be inclusive of types of behavior that are unacceptable and will be viewed as violations of the academic integrity policy: cheating, deception and misrepresentation, enabling academic dishonesty, fabrication, multiple submission, and plagiarism."

Please consult the catalog for further explanation of these examples and due process. Please raise any questions you have about academic integrity in class or during office hours. We will discuss the purpose and particulars of this policy as we prepare for course assignments. While I encourage collaborative learning and study, I want to distinguish this from doing your own work and giving others credit on assignments.

Policy and Penalty for Missed Exams, Assignments, Etc.:

Your assignment will be reduced by one grade for each day that it is late. This includes being absent on the due date. Please do not miss class because your assignment is late as you will be penalized for a late paper and missing class. While I am willing to grant extensions with or without penalty for good reasons, professionalism demands that you make such a request prior to the due date if at all possible.

Policy for Individuals with Special Needs:

Winona State is committed to making its programs accessible to all qualified students. Students who need accommodation are advised to provide documentation to the 504 Coordinator, Phelps Hall 129. In addition, please see me early in the semester so that we can discuss your needs and how I can assist your learning.

D2L:We will utilize D2L as needed throughout the semester as needed. (Online discussion).

Facebook:We will have a facebook course page for online discussion and sharing thoughts and ideas.

Course outline and Tentative Schedule

Week 1(1/10-1/12): Course introduction:

1/10 (Mon.) Introduction to the Course: Defining Contemporary China

1/12 (Wed.) Changing Face of China? Old and New

Readings: Chapter 1 Introduction

D2L :Can China really become the next superpower? By Yao, shujie

Week 2(1/19): Geographical and Demographical Context: The Land and the People

(No class on Monday, Jan. 17)

Readings: Chapter 2China: A Geographic Preface

Week 3 (1/24-1/26) The Historical Context

1/ 24 (Mon.) Ancient China (Before 1911)

1/ 26 (Wed.) Modern China (After 1911)

Readings: Chapter 3 The Historical Context

Week 4: (1/31-2/2) The Cultural Context

1/31 (Mon.) Confucianism & Taoism: Philosophy & Religion

2/ 11 (Wed.) Family, Women, and Changing Value System

Readings: Chapter 10 & 12

Basic Characteristics of Chinese Culture. By Joseph Wu on D2L

Week 5: (2/7-2/9) Center and Margin

2/7 (Mon.) Minority and Ethnic Relations

2/ 9 (Wed) Taiwan Issues and Cross-Taiwan-Strait Relations

Reading: Chapter 6

Essays I: Interview a Chinese student on campus, comparing cultural differences and similarities, 2 pages, due on Fri. 2/9

Week 6-7 (2/14-23) Politics in China

2/14 Political System: Now and Then

(No class on Wednesday, Feb. 16)

2/21 (Mon.)Communist Party in China

2/23 (Wed.)Political Reform

Readings: Chapter 4: Chinese politics
China’s Political System: Challenges of the Twenty-First Century by

Michel Oksenberg

MCGREGOR, RICHARD. "5 MYTHS ABOUT THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY."Foreign Policy184 (2011): 38-40.Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 2 Apr. 2011.

Week 8: (2/28-3/1) Mid-Term

2/28 (Mon.) Chinese Military Build-up and Advances

3/1(Wed.) Mid-term Exam

Readings: China Defense White Paper

Annual Report to Congress
Military and Security Developments involving PRC 2010 available at:

pdfs/2010_CMPR_Final.pdf

Week 9 Spring Break (3/5-3/13) No classes

Week 10 (3/14-16) Economic Reform and its Implication

3/ 14 (Mon.) Chinese Economic Reform in Perspective

3/ 16 (Wed.) China and US economy

Readings: Chapter 5: China’s Economy

Reading: Adventure in Chinese Capitalism

CHDR 2010 Report: Chapter 1

Essay II: Reflection on Chinese economy and me, 2 pages, due on Wed. 3/16

Week 11 (3/21-23): Education/ Science and Technologies in China

3/21 (Mon.) The Chinese Education System and Its Reform

3/23 (Wed.) Science and Technology

Readings: Building a Strong Nation: How Does China Perform in Science and

Technology? By Yao, Shujieon D2L

Submit the topic for your final paper and presentation, due on Wed. 3/23

Week 12 (3/28-3/30): Social Issues and Construction of Harmonious Society

3/28 (Mon.) Inequality and Growing Developmental Gap (Rich and Poor)

3/30(Wed.) Health Care and Social Security issues

Readings: Chapter 8 & 9

‘Harmonious Society’ and Harmonious World’: China’s Policy

Discourse Under Hu Jintao

Poverty, inequality and social disparities during China’seconomic

reform, David Dollaron D2L

Submit an abstract and a short bibliography for your paper, dueWed. 3/30

Week 13 (4/4-6): To Fuel the Growth: Energy & Environment

4/ 4 (Mon.) Energy Issues

4/ 6 (Wed.) Environmental Issues

Readings: Chapter 9

D2L: China’s Green Energy and Environmental Policy hearings, Available at:

2010hearings/.../10_04_08_final_transcript.pdf

CHDR 2010 Report: Chapter 2/3

Week 14-15: (4/11-18): Towards a Harmonious World: A Chinese Approach

4/ 11 (Mon.) China’s Foreign Policy

4/ 13 (Wed.) China, Its Neighbors, and its Global Reach

4/18 (Mon.) US- China Relations

Readings: Chapter 7 International Relations
Preservation, Prosperity and Power: What motivates China’s foreign policy?byWang, Fei-ling

D2L: The Rise of China and the Future of the West, by John Ikenberry

Week 15-16(4/20-27): Answer to China Rise: Challenges and Opportunities

(Student Presentation)

4/ 20(Wed.) (Student Group Presentations I)

4/ 25(Mon.) (Student Group Presentations II)

4/27 (Wed.) (Student Group Presentations III)

Readings: Chapter 14

D2L: China’s ‘Peaceful Rise’: Concept and Practice, by Zheng Yongnian

Week 17 (5/2-5/4):Final Exam (TBA)

Final Paper (5-8 pages) Due on Fri. 4/29, 5:00 pm