Business and Culture Along the Silk Roads

REVISED

Fall 2012, Winter 2013 and Spring 2013 quarters

Faculty

Thuy Vu economics, management, community organization , Bobbie McIntosh business, management, green marketing , Hirsh Diamant visual, expressive and media arts including arts of self cultivation, cultural and Chinese studies, human development, education

Fields of Study

business and management, cultural studies, economics, international studies, leadership studies and sustainability studies

Preparatory for studies or careers in

business management, economics, education, cultural studies, international commerce

Description

Good training in business management and cultural competence is an essential requirement for the development of successful and sustainable enterprises. This program will focus on the interconnections between business, economy, and culture, with a specific application to trade, cultural exchange, and community development along the Silk Roads. For centuries, the ancient Silk Roads moved ideas and goods between the great civilizations of Asia, Pacific Rim, the Middle East, and the New World. From the time of Marco Polo and Genghis Khan to Yo Yo Ma, the Silk Roads have connected empires and fostered the development of music, art, religion, and commerce. In this program we will study contemporary and historical Silk Roads to envision sustainable commerce of Silk Roads in the future. We will develop learning, skills, and practical knowledge that are necessary to provide a strong foundation and vision for understanding the business and economic development potential of selected cultures along the Silk Roads. We will examine how developing commerce of Pacific Rim can impact the economic future of Washington State. We will learn about international trade, socially responsible enterprises, and intercultural communication. We will learn about the use of money and alternative business financing models. The program will be foundational for forming business pathways to move toward greater cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability.

In fall quarter, we will learn the skills necessary for understanding the historical, cultural, and economic significance of Silk Roads and for creating a sustainable business plan. Part of our study in fall quarter will include learning about community resources, business economics, and social/business enterprises along the Silk Roads. In winter quarter we will learn about intercultural communication, alternative business financing models, leadership, and application of business skills in non-profit and corporate enterprises. In spring quarter some students will have an opportunity to travel in China with faculty member Hirsh Diamant and study business, economy, culture, and education there. (Various credit options will be available for the spring travel.) Students continuing with the program on the Olympia campus will concentrate on intercultural leadership, international trade, marketing, and developing sustainable applications of their business plans.

This 12-credit program will include a core of 8 credits plus 4 credits awarded for in-program modules that will focus on either Chinese language, cultural studies, sustainable businesses, or community leadership development.

Advertised Schedule

9a-5p Sat plus additional work in groups and online for 4-credit modules; in fall there will be an overnight field trip Nov. 7-8 to Quileute Indian Nation, La Push, WA

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Hybrid Online Learning 25 - 49% Delivered Online

Books

Greener Store

Required Fees

Fall: $50 for overnight field trip Winter: $20 for participation in Lunar New Year festival Spring: $2500-$3500 required fee for those students traveling to China in spring quarter

Study Abroad

In spring quarter some students will have an opportunity to travel in China with faculty member Hirsh Diamant and study business, economy, culture, and education there. Cost for study in China will be approximately $2,500 to $3,500 depending on length of stay in China, from 3 to 8 weeks. Our study centers in China will include Hangzhou, Xian, WuYi Shan, Shanghai, and other centers of students interest. Deposit of $150 must be paid by December 1, 2012, to reserve a space.

Offered During

Weekend

Program Revisions