University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

China's expanding economy and growing international trade relation attracts the world businesses. The cooperation in many areas between China and Ireland has become active in recent years, such as in education, food industry, IT, high tech and etc. Doing business in China means that those working for such businesses will increasingly come into contact with Chinese business people and officials. Knowledge of basic Chinese language, business culture, business etiquette, meeting protocol and other inter-cultural challenges are vital in maximising business opportunities and success. This module is designed to prepare students to address these challenges. It focuses on both the development of Chinese language skills and understanding of Chinese culture and society.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Language - Oral Skills: Conduct casual conversations, greeting, self-introduction, everyday language and phrases in celebrating Birthday/holidays etc
  2. Language - Listening: Understand topics as stated in the oral skills
  3. Language - Reading Skills: Read around 100 Chinese characters
  4. Language - Writing skills: Write 50+ characters, i.e. self-introduction, birthday, thank you cards, New Year cards, date, day, month, year, name of weekdays and weekend, numbers and etc.
  5. Culture competence: Gain an understanding of the Chinese culture, society and economy
  6. Culture competence: Demonstrate a profile of China in Geography, climate, population, languages and attire, ethnic groups and religions, and main ancient inventions, festivals and cuisines, customs and traditions, main cities and other cultural features such as martial art and film
  7. Culture competence: Describe the main Chinese religions and philosophies, such as Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Compare their similarities and differences with Christianity
  8. Culture competence: Explain Chinese etiquette such as greeting, addressing, table manner, gift giving, lucky numbers and colours, and visiting a Chinese home
  9. Culture competence: Understand the Yin Yang map and its influence in Chinese ideology, such as Fengshui and Chinese medicine
  10. Culture competence: Develop awareness of cultural differences to increase cultural competences. Discuss the similarities between the Irish nation and the Chinese nation. Compare the different negotiation styles between the East and the West
  11. Culture competence: Analyse the unique way of doing business in China. Explain the concept of Guanxi and Mianzi
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (40%)
  • Continuous Assessment (60%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module CI300: "Doing Business in China - Language & Culture 1" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.