China

The course introduces the basic concepts of corporate finance both in practice and theory. It focuses on how firm raise money, how to evaluate a firm’s value, and how firms make investment decisions. Specific topics addressed in the course are the valuation of companies, the operating capital of company, the costs of capital, the ways of raising money both equity and bonds, the rules of evaluating investment and liquidity management.

Is Chinese philosophy incommensurable with Western philosophy, or is there a philosophy in general? There are stereotypes (opinions) about Chinese philosophy, and this course examines the truth of Chinese philosophy in particular and the truth of philosophy in general. This course introduces classical (pre-Qin) Confucianism and Legalism; investigates the problems the pre-Qin Confucian and Legalist philosophers try to answer, what their answers are, whether the answers are coherent within one text and how these answers are related to each other; and examines how these philosophical texts address philosophical problems, that is, problems that transcend a particular people, a particular time, and a particular locale. By comparing these philosophers' answers to those by other philosophers (Chinese or non-Chinese), students see the merits and problems of these answers that are still relevant today.

This course covers cross-cultural, intercultural, and international communication. Topics include theories, history, and study of intercultural communication; language and verbal communication across cultures; nonverbal language in international communication; understanding intercultural misunderstandings; culture dimensions: power distance and political system; individualism/collectivism and political system, masculinity/femininity and political system; cultural rules for establishing relationships; communication in intercultural relationships; intercultural negotiation; managing conflict and negotiating face; legal and governmental considerations in intercultural communication; and intercultural encounters: political issues. The course also uses case studies of the US and Japan to discuss how culture affects foreign policy. 

This course is based on the historical era (but not in the literary history mode). It focuses on the selection of the classic values of ancient poetry to understand the spirit of Chinese traditional culture. At the same time, it introduces the Chinese poetry in combination with the interpretation of the works. In this process, it highlights the beautiful life and social ideals of the ancestors, as well as the outstanding artistic innovation spirit, showing the charm of classical language. The courses focuses on the in-depth analysis of specific works, explores the problems faced by human beings in the process of human development and social progress, and guide students to carry out independent and positive thinking.

This course offers students a unique opportunity to understand the long-term trajectory of global economic development from the dawn of civilization to today. It explores major historical milestones such as the birth of civilization, religious reform, the Industrial Revolution, the Columbian Exchange, the Black Death, the Great Depression, and the World Wars. Unlike typical history courses focused on facts, this course integrates economic theory with historical analysis. Students will gain a deep understanding of how past events shaped today’s economic and social systems. By bridging economics and history, the course enhances your ability to analyze development processes, understand their causes and consequences, and apply these insights to modern challenges. It also prepares students to interpret current transformations and equips them with a stronger foundation for navigating the future. Through this interdisciplinary lens, the course cultivates both historical awareness and economic thinking essential for future leaders and analysts.

This course introduces the Mahayana Buddhist doctrine, with a focus on the Indian origins and East Asian (Chinese) traditions, while Central Asian (Tibetan) traditions are selectively covered. Buddhism in this course is studied mainly as a religious-intellectual tradition. Thus, basic ideas in Mahayana theories of spiritual cultivation and soteriology are examined. Topics such as the patterns of religious practice and cultivation, images of Enlightened Being (Buddha), types of ideal religious personality; concepts of Buddha-Nature (tathagatagarbha), Enlightenment, Pure-lands, knowledge and virtues are discussed. Various issues are reviewed in the context of the Hinayana vs Mahayana contrast. The continuity and differences between both traditions are studied. Please Notice that, other than the required readings, additional supplementary materials will be delivered to the class through email. Lecture is the main pattern of teaching, while class discussion is also essential.

Offering this elective allows students to gain a deeper understanding of current social media communications and emerging technologies. From the perspective of disciplinary development, this course is conducive to cultivating students' ability to integrate theory with practice, especially how to combine the knowledge of communication with the changes in media technology, which is in line with the characteristics of applied communication.

Though this course you will

1) Understand the history of social media development

2) Be familiar with the basic terminology, academic concepts and important theories of social media communication

3) Improve the ability to apply relevant theories to analyze social media phenomena

4) Improve the specific communication practice ability of social media communication

5) Learn some basic methods for evaluating social media communication practices

This course provides an introduction to Mao Zedong thought and the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It examines how the Chinese Communist Party uses the theoretical results of the Sinicization of Marxism to solve the problems of the Chinese revolution, construction, and reform at various stages. The course also covers the guiding position of Marxism in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and focuses on the theory and practice of building socialism with Chinese characteristics. A social survey, completed outside of class, is an integral part of the course.

This course provides two separate grades, one for the theory portion of the course and the other for the practice component.