The College of Engineering and Penn State Education Abroad will once again offer ENGR 197, "Impact of History, Culture, Society and Environment on Engineering Design in China" during the first summer session of 2010. Students of all disciplines are invited to apply for the course, which will be conducted in China from May 12 through June 5. Applications will be accepted though Feb. 1, 2010.
"The course is designed not only for the engineering students, but also for students in other majors," said course instructor Xinli Wu. "I believe students in business, marketing, international politics and other disciplines would also be interested in the course."
The three-credit course may be used as a social and behavioral sciences (GS) and international cultures (IL) course by students in the College of Engineering. Students in other colleges must check with their department to determine whether the course may be used to meet any of their degree requirements.
The course is designed to help students understand some of the current challenges of globalization and the impact of cultural issues on design and technology. China has gradually become one of the major players of the world in engineering, science and technology. Many U.S. and foreign industries have huge investments and business affiliations in China. The status and actions of the Chinese economy have a major impact on the economies of other countries.
Many employers value and recruit students who have international experiences and have some understanding of international cultures. The course will enable students to learn Chinese history and culture in context.
"While in Beijing, I learned that textbooks, classes and movies can teach you a lot about a different culture or landmark half way around the world, but going to see it in person can teach you things that are impossible to learn through a text book or in class," said Gregory Brulo, a student who participated in last year's course.
While in China, students will visit major engineering projects such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the 2008 Summer Olympics Village (including Beijing National Stadium, otherwise known as the Bird's Nest), the Three Gorges Dam, the terra cotta warriors, the longest bay bridge in the world and other sites in Beijing. Students will also visit the cities of Chongqin, Xian, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Dalian and Huangsha to learn about the impact of history, culture, society and environment on engineering design in China. Additionally, the students will visit the General Electric (GE) Shanghai facility, which is the largest GE complex in the world. They will learn how GE conducts business in China and the adjustments to Chinese culture that American companies need to make.
More information on the course can be found at http://www.engr.psu.edu/xinli/ENGR197/ online.