Global Studies Courses 2009-10

BUSI788C/BUSI798C
Doing Business in China: Maintaining Culture and the Environment during Rapid Economic Growth

Tourism in China has been growing at an annual rate of 10% to 15% over the past decade. In many of China's western provinces, tourism is a major source of local revenue; meanwhile, these are areas where biodiversity and cultural heritage are most threatened by economic development. Many NGOs, both international and local, have sprung into action in these areas, trying to conserve the richness of the local culture and natural resources; however, large commercial operations and local governments' drive to lift per capita income often pitch conservation efforts against a nascent industry. In the midst of this, entrepreneurs, big and small, are creating a path to sustainable development. This course will examine the tension between China's rapid tourism development and biodiversity/cultural heritage protection.

Students will explore tourism and historical preservation efforts at the Forbidden City, look at the effects of tourism and heritage protection efforts in Beijing's hutong (traditional neighborhoods and alleyways), and we anticipate a visit to two watertowns - one purchased entirely for tourism development and one with a tourism strategy dedicated to preserving community life and traditions. Students will have several days in the western province of Yunnan, which borders Tibet and Sichuan and is known for its ancient tea trade.

Note:

• There is a $500 penalty if you drop the course after the end of the drop/add period, September 14th.
• In-country flights are expected to be about $800.
• Anticipated dates abroad: January 7th depart US, January 17th depart China.
• Please do not purchase any airline tickets until enrollment for the class is confirmed, after September 15th.