Kentucky Institute for International Studies
Summer 2002 China Program: Hong Kong, Kunming, Xian, & Beijing

Instructor:  Richard L. Hannah, Professor of Economics 

Middle Tennessee State University	Phone	615-898-2228
Economics & Finance Department		Fax	615-904-8370
Box 27					Email	RLHANNAH@MTSU.EDU
Murfreesboro, TN  37132

Homepage:  www.mtsu.edu/~rlhannah/homepage.html

NOTE TO STUDENTS:  Contact me via email asap for suggested online sources
to browse for additional background information.

I.	TITLE:	A SURVEY OF THE CHINESE ECONOMIC & BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
	Course Number: ECO595

II.	DESCRIPTION

This course is a survey of Chinese economic history, economic resources,
the transition to a market system, and China's place in global economic
relations.  As much as is practical, the travel experiences will be
related to this context.  Although relevant data are integrated, instruction 
will not be of a highly technical nature.  The focus is on ideas, theories, 
and policies exhibited by the China case.  The level of instruction 
is upper division undergraduates or graduates.  While an economics and/or
business background would be helpful, the desire and discipline of learning are 
more important.  In fact, an eclectic group is preferred in order to stimulate
an interdisciplinary discourse.  The learning experience will blend the
China travel experience with classroom discussion about first-hand
observations by students.  Prior to departure from the U.S.,
communications via email will be established with students so relevant
Internet sources can be forwarded for orientation and for reference after
the trip.  A detailed handout  may be developed with lecture outlines, articles,
cases, and projects.  Individually assigned readings and student
presentations of first hand observations and experiences from field trips
are also required.

III. 	PURPOSE

To gain insights into the Chinese domestic economy and develop a framework
for understanding the economic integration of China into the global
community.  Special emphasis given to U.S.-Chinese economic relations, the
practical aspects of international business relationships, the WTO
and international trade, balance of payments, monetary systems, and the
historical and cultural context of Chinese economic evolution.  

IV.	OBJECTIVE

Elevation of student critical thinking through the application of economic
knowledge and concepts to the economic processes exhibited by the China
case, and the ability to relate this thinking to their specific academic
disciplines and personal observations and learning experiences from the places
visited.


V.	CONTENT OUTLINE

(Presumption is about 1.5 hours on average for each component.  This
includes not only lectures but also student reports, discussion, and
reflections on what they have observed during the trip.)

Introductory Overview-----
Relating Other Disciplines to this Course
Brief Survey of Chinese Economic History
Brief Survey of U.S.-Chinese Economic Relations
Historical Perspective of Economic Globalization
How Markets Work
Fundamentals of International Economics
Issues in Transitional Economies
The International Business Environment in China

China in the International Community-----
The Significance of Hong Kong & Taiwan
The Issues of Trade, Jobs, Economic Growth & Development
Most Favored Nation Status
The World Trade Organization
Asian Financial & Economic Interdependence
Legal Environment for Business in China

Concepts and Issues in the Chinese Economy-----
One Country-Two Systems (Market Socialism)
The Banking System (Monetary Policy)
Government Taxing and Spending (Fiscal Policy)
State Owned Enterprises
Joint Ventures
Entrepreneurship
Insights into Chinese Business Practices

In-depth Perspectives-----
Labor Markets and Employment Relations
Demographics
Educational System

The Future of U.S.-Chinese Economic Relations-----
The Broad Picture of Foreign Policy
Military Alliances in Asia
The Nature and Role of Economic Power




VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Brief Lectures
Guest Lectures (contingent on availability)
Class Discussion
Field Assignments & Related Reports (contingent on scheduled events)
Student Presentations and Discussion Leadership Based on Reading Assignments
	

VII. FIELD EXPERIENCES

As much as possible, the in-class time will attempt to relate the field
trips to the broader context of the course design.  As an example,
hopefully a visit to the new Kunming Horticultural Exhibit will be
possible.  In this context students will explore such questions
as: Why was the exhibit built in Kunming in the context of overall
domestic Chinese economic policy, Asian tourism, and the income disparity
problem between the relatively rich eastern provinces and impoverished
western provinces?   


VIII.	RESOURCES

(1) Pre-trip email network for information flows and instructional
information.  
(2) Instructional web page established so students can acclimate to
Internet resources in preparation for the learning experience, or use as a
resource after the trip. (Note: no Internet access is contemplated while
in China).  
(3) The only computational device suggested is a hand held calculator for
students who prefer to examine some issues or cases more technically.  Students
are free to use any device with which they are familiar.
(4) Texts:  see section XI.

IX. GRADING

Depending on the number and backgrounds of students, the following may be
modified.  Exams are open-book, open-note.

Class attendance and participation				20%
Participation and commentary from field trips			20%
Mid-term or cases						20%
Final or cases							20%
In-class presentation & discussion leadership on assigned text	20%

Graduate students must meet additional requirements, including leading
group discussion and field projects, and reading two of the books from the
assigned list.  See attendance policy for additional information on
grading.

X. ATTENDANCE

Attendance of all classes is required.  Up to three points will be
deducted from the final grade average for each absence.

XI. TEXTS

A handout of common reading materials and original materials compiled
by the instructor.  This will likely be mailed to each student registered for
this course--prior to departure.

Each student will be assigned an individual reading of a book on a topic
for which s/he will be a resource person to the rest of the class.  
Graduate students must read two texts.  Students can contact me by
April 30 if they have a preferred text from the list below, or an
alternative for me to consider.  Otherwise, texts will be arbitrarily
assigned.  Students are responsible for securing texts by their own means,
but must have them in hand by departure time. Expected cost: $25-$50 each.


Bernstein, Richard, and Ross H. Munro.  The Coming Conflict with China.

Brown, Lester.  Who Will Feed China?

Dorn, James.  China in the New Millennium: Markets, Reforms, and Social
Development.

Hook, Brian (editor).  Guangdong: China's Promised Land.

Krugman, Paul.  Pop Internationalism.

Li, Gabriel, and Edmond Wong.  2001.  The Rise of Digital China: Investing in
China's New Economy.  San Francisco: China Books and Periodicals, Inc.
ISBN 0-8351-2680-3.

Mann, James.  1999.   About Face: A History of America's Curious Relationship
with China, From Nixon to Clinton. New York: Knopf Publishers.  
ISBN 0-679-45053-X.

Miller, Milton, and Zixian Tan.  China in the Information Age.

Mote, Frederick.  Intellectual Foundations of China.

Patten, Christopher.  East and West: China, Power, and the Future of Asia.

Schell, Orville.  Discos and Democracy: China in the Throes of Reform.

Van Kemenade, Willem.  China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Inc.

Yau, Oliver H. M., and Henry C. Steele (editors).  2000.  China
Business: Challenges in the 21st Century.  Hong Kong: The Chinese University of
Hong Kong Press.  ISBN 962-201-853-X.


XII. PREREQUISITES

There are no formal prerequisites other than upper division or graduate
student status.  This is an interdisciplinary course.