Liberal Arts & Business
2010 Fall Semester - Academics

Academic Focus

The Liberal Arts & Business program at the CEA Global Campus in Shanghai features a wide curriculum of courses perfect for students of all language levels who wish to explore history, culture, politics, and business in an academic environment that encourages student participation and critical thinking. The CEA Global Campus in Shanghai allows you the flexibility to choose courses that best meet your individual academic and personal needs. Although the majority of courses are taught in English so that you can continue your university studies regardless of your language level, you will learn alongside local Chinese students from our hosting partner, East China Normal University.

Students will enroll in a total of 4 or 5 courses of their choice in the following subject areas: Business, History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies. Students are encouraged to enroll in a Chinese language course appropriate to their language level. Language courses employ cutting-edge instructional technology and practical scenarios, providing students with ample opportunities to practice their conversational skills.

The location of the CEA Global Campus in Shanghai helps to frame the curriculum of the Liberal Arts & Business program. Courses are uniquely designed to make use of Shanghai as the “classroom.” Both in and out of class, students are encouraged to explore the city and draw connections between their first-hand observations and the subjects they are studying. In many respects, the history of the city of Shanghai reflects the history of China. Yet, Shanghai also stands out as a historical anomaly, particularly in the last two centuries. Although the city’s political significance is undisputed, it has never been recognized formally as a political center. In the cultural realm, Shanghai represents a fusion of Chinese and foreign elements that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan nature. Finally, the city exemplifies the social consequences of economic change, embodied most recently by the emergence of the new entrepreneurial elite and the small, but growing, middle class.

All language courses and electives meet for a total of 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits in the U.S. semester system. If students enroll in 5 courses, they can earn up to 15 credits in the U.S. semester system. However, it is up to the student’s home academic advisor to determine how much credit will be awarded.

Program Goals

Through formal and informal learning connected to the host city, people and culture; and by applying appropriate cognitive, affective, behavioral, ethical and intercultural tools; students will develop and articulate:

• discipline-based knowledge in the liberal arts and social sciences;
• analytic insight into salient cultural differences in the host culture’s approach to targeted concepts and issues within these fields, all considered within the larger context of globalization and;
• Chinese language or intercultural communication skills.

Schedule Summary

Semester classes at the Global Campus meet one to three times per week for a total of 3 contact hours. Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday, although study trips and other required fieldwork may occur on Fridays. Classes are offered at various times throughout the day.

Course Registration

Students must register for courses prior to departure for Shanghai. A course preference form will be posted to your MyCEA Account when course timetables are released. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so it is in your best interest to submit your course preference form as soon as possible.

Course preferences for electives are considered final when submitted to CEA. For language courses, you will indicate an estimated level on your course preference form, but you will take a language placement exam onsite. Registration for your language course will be adjusted as necessary to coincide with the results of your exam. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to submitting your course preference form.