Webster University is pleased to partner with the Shanghai International Studies University (SISU—see/su) to provide an English-language China Studies program in Shanghai, one of China's most exciting cities.

Webster's China Studies program is aimed at students with an interest in Asian or China cultures and is specifically designed to accommodate students at all levels of proficiency in Mandarin, including beginners. In this semester program, students will take between 12 -18 credit hours, including a required 3-credit "China Ways" course designed to introduce students to Shanghai and China culture and a course in Mandarin. Students with advanced Mandarin proficiency may also choose from the regular course offerings at SISU. Courses utilize the city of Shanghai as a living classroom, and weave excursions, independent projects, lectures and group work together into a comprehensive experiential learning environment.

Students meet with Chinese students and alumni from Webster-Shanghai at the beginning of the semester. Students will work with Chinese graduate students, who will assist them and help them develop a deeper understanding of China's culture. In addition, Webster draws on its alumni network in China to allow students to make contacts throughout the country.

Why Shanghai?
Shanghai is the ideal location for Webster's China Studies program because it is a showcase of China's rapid growth and a testament to China's rich cultural heritage. As China's most progressive city, Shanghai attracts people at home and abroad with its culture, history, people and all the vigor and vitality that make it international metropolis status.

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About Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)
SISU was founded in 1949 as a "key" university under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education of PRC. As a foreign language university committed to providing a variety of applied programs, Shanghai International Studies University prepares professionals who are qualified for roles in international affairs.

The College of International Cultural Exchange houses the undergraduate program in Chinese language and offers Master's degrees and Doctoral degrees in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics.

Excursions and Activities
Throughout the semester, Webster organizes various excursions to local cultural attractions such as the International Tea Culture Festival and Shanghai Museum, as well as trips to nearby cities like Nanjing, Suzhou, or Huangzhou. Students will also become more intimately acquainted with various neighborhoods in Shanghai through planned class excursions and outings. Webster staff members are also available to help students organize more extensive independent trips, if desired.

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Fall/Spring

The China Studies program provides students the opportunity to develop their Mandarin proficiency while studying various aspects of China in English. All students will enroll in a 6-credit Mandarin language course based on their proficiency at the start of the program. In addition, students will enroll in three 3-credit courses taught in English to complete their studies. A total of 15 credit hours will be awarded at the end of the semester.

A complete list of courses can be accessed by searching the following site:  
http://www.webster.edu/compcen/datadict/webcrs/campusform2.php3

China Studies Courses (15 Credit hours total)
Students will enroll in all of the courses below.

ILC 1090 Elementary Mandarin (6 credit hours)

Develops listening comprehension and speaking skills in Chinese. Will rely on Pin Yin, the alphabetized treatment of Chinese, for written skills.  Advanced Chinese language courses are available for students with prior Mandarin proficiency.

HIST 2400 Modern Asia: China (3 credit hours)

Studies the cultures and the political-social development of China, from the fall of the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty in 1911to the present day. This history course draws from social sciences and humanities to introduce the student to the basic forms of Chinese traditional culture, the process of change, both external and internal, through which those forms have undergone in the modern period, and the general nature of Chinese civilization as it is today. Through planned excursions students will come away with a better understanding of China's distinctive characteristics. (Offered fall and spring)

GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts: Shanghai Society (3 credit hours)

Since opening its gates to the West in the early 19th century, Shanghai has cultivated a modern sensibility. During its colonial period, Shanghai became known as the Paris of the East. Even now much of its contemporary architecture is derivative of Western ideas. This interdisciplinary study in history and the humanities focuses on the city of Shanghai in both a historical and cultural context. Students will examine the art and architecture, philosophy, literature, politics, music, and theatre of Shanghai to deepen the student's understanding of civilization, human values, and individual creativeness. (Offered fall and spring)

ANSO 1090 Geography: Economic and Cultural Issues of Asia (3 credit hours)

Explores the relationship between China and other areas of Asia and the Pacific, including Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Students will study major key cities and regions, relationships with Mainland China, and issues important to both Chinese people and leaders of Western business.
Offered fall and spring)

Additional Courses at SISU
Students with advanced Chinese proficiency may elect take courses offered regularly at the Shanghai International Studies University.

Supplemental Lecture Program
Throughout the semester, SISU faculty members will host lectures on the topics listed below. Students will be encouraged to attend these events to supplement their Chinese studies.

Chinese International Relations
Korean Peninsula
Beijing Opera
Chinese Costumes and Culture
Boxer Rebellion

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Students are housed in an apartment complex in the Hangkow section of Shanghai, just ten minutes by taxi from the famous Shanghai Bund and five minutes from Shanghai International Studies University. Apartments feature full-service kitchens, full bath, furniture, and cable television. The complex has an indoor swimming pool and world-class workout center. A free shuttle bus operates throughout the day between the heart of downtown Shanghai and the complex.

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Dr. Richard Foristel, director

Dr. Foristel has been director of Webster University's programs in Shanghai since 1997, beginning with Webster University's partnership with the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE).

Webster-Shanghai Faculty

Faculty members at Webster are accomplished teachers and academicians from around the world. In addition to demonstrated skill in teaching, Webster faculty members are leaders in their fields of expertise.

SISU Faculty

Among the 40-member faculty, 50 percent are professors or associate professors specialized in Chinese Language, Chinese literature, linguistics, Chinese history, cultures and arts. Most of the faculty members have been abroad and taught Chinese overseas. Every year the college witnesses fruitful results in academic research including monographs, textbooks and research papers. The college is distinguished for the quality of its faculty and its strength in teaching and research.

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Fall Semester Deadline:
Webster Students: March 15 click here.
Visiting/Affiliate Students: March 15 click here.

Spring Semester Deadline:
Webster Students: September 15 click here.
Visiting/Affiliate Students: September15 click here.

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The student below has studied at the Webster University China Studies program within the past year, and has agreed to be contacted by students interested in studying in Shanghai. Feel free to E-mail her with your questions and concerns for a student's perspective:

Name: Deidre Becker(undergraduate)
Home School: Webster University St. Louis
Term Abroad: Fall 2004 Semester
Email: smiledeidre@yahoo.com

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