CCST 103: Trademarks of Chinese Culture
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: (3)
This course explores major trademarks of Chinese culture and will be taught in English. Tops include cultural traditions, superstition, philosophy, history, geography, family and gender, arts, music, movies, religions, medicine, food, education, business and interpersonal communication styles, and the role of government in historical and contemporary contexts. This course has been approved for Core Curriculum credit in College Core A – Global Perspectives.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Where is China?
a. Geography and History of China
b. Its population in relation to the word
c. The 56 ethnic groups in China
What are the “trademarks” of Chinese?
a. The Chinese Language
• Different dialects
• Written and Oral forms of the language
b. Holidays and Cultural Traditions / Customs
• Chinese New Year
• Mid-Autumn Festival
c. Philosophy
• Confucius Teaching
• Yin and Yang
d. Superstitions
e. Family and Gender
• Family Dynamics and Gender Differences in the Old and Modern China
• Family, Dating, and Marriage in the Old and Modern china
f. Chinese Arts, Music, and Movies
• Hand-on experience of the Chinese Calligraphy
• Appreciation of the Chinese Music with Traditional Instruments
• Seeing one or more Authentic Chinese Movies
g. Religions
• Christianity
• Buddhism
• Taoism
• Maoism
h. Medicines
• Traditional Medicine vs. Western Medicine
i. Educational Systems
• Chinese Views on Education
• Compare the K-16 Chinese School Systems with the U.S. Educational Systems
• Teaching and Studying Habits in China and Taiwan
j. Food
• Regional Differences in China
• Classification of Food in Terms of Their Effects on Human Bodies
• Table Etiquette
• Comparison of Eating Habits between Easter and Western Cultures
• Influence of the Western Fast Food in Chinese Society
k. Business and Interpersonal Communication Styles
• Individual and Group Behaviors
• Collaboration
• Saving Face
• Confrontation/Resolve of Conflicts
• Relationship – Guan Xi
• Giving Gifts or Red Envelopes
• Social Life
l. Political Systems
• The role of government in historical and contemporary contexts
• The Party Systems in China
• The Concepts of Democracy and People’s Rights
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will combine lectures, class discussions based on the assigned readings, media presentations, guest speakers, diverse writing assignments, and other strategies to create a classroom environment that is based on student engagements. The course may also require collaborative research opportunities in both traditional library-based sources and in interviewing formats. The instructor will provide the academic support services that students need in order to succeed.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon completion of this course, Radford University students will be able to:
• Compare and contrast different perspectives used to explain the world or international
issues.
• Use material studied to explain cross-cultural issues in the world.
• Evaluate differences and similarities with Chinese cultures that affect perceptions,
beliefs or behaviors, and thusrelationships between those cultures.
• Practice thinking critically and analytically about various topics, acquire a broader
knowledge and deeper understanding of Chinese philosophy verses the Western thinking,
and cultivate a familiarity with the concept differences, arguments, and interpretations.
• Apply their critical thinking, research, and compositional skills to the creation
and presentation of thesis driven essays that discuss, for example, historical social,
economic, political, and/or cultural developments and that address issues such as
the causes and consequences of historical change and continuity.
• Assess and discuss how the Chinese trademarks are distinct.
• Understand the evolution of China to modern time.
• Understand the conflict between Eastern and Western ways of doing things and thinking.
• Understand the trademarks of Chinese in religion, family, gender roles, and politics.
• Recognize the distinctive artistic and musical contributions of traditional Chinese
music.
• Make a coherent argument of the differences between Eastern and Western cultural
differences.
• Demonstrate improved skills in critical thinking, critical reading, analytical writing,
and group discussion.
Assessment Measures
Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course will be measured using an array of assessment tolls that may include, among other things, class attendance and participation in Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, written examinations, power presentations, formal writing assignments of various types, and informal writing assignments. All exercises are designed to expand and challenge the student’s ability to evaluate and develop his or her ability to compose persuasive arguments and understanding of different cultures.
Other Course Information
Review and Approval
05/2011
6/20/15