Modern Day China (IC_MDC)
Modern Day China is a concise online course designed for students and participants preparing to visit China for short-term periods. The course offers a comprehensive yet insightful introduction to the key aspects of contemporary Chinese society. The course provides practical guidance on navigating cross-cultural interactions, highlighting potential challenges that visitors may encounter. In addition to cultural insights, participants will learn a selection of basic Mandarin phrases useful for everyday communication, helping to build confidence and connection during their visit. Learning is made dynamic and interactive through quizzes, video materials, and self-reflective activities, encouraging learners to think critically about their own cultural perspectives.
The course is organized into four units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Modern China – Explore China’s regions, major cities, languages, and ethnic groups; learn about its government, population trends, and technology growth; understand China’s role in global education, economy, and international relations; and address common misconceptions foreigners often have.
Unit 2: Chinese Society and Daily Life – Gain insight into university life, student culture, the “super-app” lifestyle (WeChat, Alipay, food delivery, Didi), public transportation, and typical weekday routines. Learn what’s open when, how to navigate holidays and weekends, and strategies for coping with culture shock and staying safe.
Unit 3: Cultural Etiquette and Social Norms – Understand the principles of politeness, modesty, and formality; master body language, gestures, and personal space; learn dining etiquette, gift-giving practices, indirect communication, and norms around social media and privacy.
Unit 4: Practical Chinese Language for Travelers – Acquire essential Mandarin phrases for greetings, thanks and apologies; ask for help, directions, and prices; and navigate food-related communication including allergies and dietary preferences.
Course learning outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to:
● Describe the geographic, demographic, political, and technological landscape of modern China.
● Demonstrate understanding of daily life in China, including university life, public transportation, and the digital “super-app” lifestyle.
● Identify key cultural values and social norms that influence life in modern China.
● Recognize and reflect on potential cross-cultural differences and challenges that may arise when visiting or working in China.
● Apply basic Mandarin phrases for communication in everyday interactions.
● Reflect on personal experiences and potential culture shock, developing strategies for cultural adaptation and respectful engagement.