Taught by

Business management and cultural competence training are essential for the development of successful and sustainable enterprises. This program will focus on the connections between business, economics, and culture, with a specific application to  trade, cultural exchange,  and community development in Vietnam and China.
For centuries, the ancient Silk Roads moved ideas and goods between the great civilizations of Asia, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, and the New World. Since the eras of Genghis Khan and Marco Polo, the Silk Roads have connected empires and fostered the development of art, religion, culture, and commerce throughout Asia. In this program, we will study contemporary and historical Silk Roads and envision sustainable Silk Roads of the future. We will develop skills and practical knowledge necessary for understanding the socio-economic impacts of the growth of the market economic system in Vietnam and China. We will also examine how immigration and international trade with Vietnam and China can impact the economic future of Washington state.
In fall quarter, we will learn the skills necessary for understanding the historical and cultural significance of Silk Roads and will develop the foundation in economics necessary for understanding the issues in international business and immigration policies toward Vietnam and China. We will study texts of Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism to understand philosophical wisdom of traditional Asian cultures and examine roots of Western demonization of China and Vietnam. In winter quarter, we will learn about intercultural communication, leadership, and application of business skills in the development of nonprofit and business enterprises. In Fall and Winter quarter we will practice visual and movement arts to understand relationship of individual to community and the world. At the end of winter quarter, students will have an opportunity to travel with faculty members Thuy Vu and Hirsh Diamant along Silk Roads to China and Vietnam for three weeks. Students will study business, economy, culture, and education. (Various credit options will be available for winter travel.)

Quarters

Fall Open Winter Open

Location and Schedule

Final Schedule and Room Assignment

• Fall

Campus Location

Olympia

Study Abroad

Time Offered

Weekend

Advertised Schedule