When most students think about studying abroad in China, they immediately think of business or Asian history majors. What most students don’t know is that China has a comprehensive education system, especially at Fudan University, that boasts 17 different academic departments. We’ve taken the opportunity here to highlight some of the “lesser known” courses that our Semester in Shanghai program has to offer.

North European Movies (FORE110021)

Focusing primarily on Nordic films, this course uses “films historical and social significance” to understand the culture and history of countries such as Finland, Scandinavia, Iceland and Denmark. You’ll get to learn the history of Northern Europea through a dual lens of Chinese interpretation and a film perspective

Women’s Choir (FINE110078)

Want a serious opportunity to practice your Chinese? Women’s Choir practices and performs songs in Chinese, English, and other western languages. The professor also stresses the community within the choir, noting that “This course will treat the whole person in the classroom, allowing genuine responses and give students autonomy.” For anyone with an interest in singing, this class affords a very unique opportunity!

Climate Change and Energy (ENVI110013)

Interested in the effects of climate change and policy? This course covers a history of energy before plunging into sustainability techniques and how China is tackling their own contributions to carbon emissions, reuse and recycling, and greenhouse gasses. You will also get to learn about the Kyoto Protocol and how China is using this to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Linguistics of Chinese Sign Language (CHIN130173)

This is a beginner course for Chinese Sign Language (CSL) with no background of any sign language necessary. This class covers the practical use of CSL, the evolution of the language and CSL policy allowing students to have a unique look at China’s approach to its deaf and hard of hearing citizens.

History of Shanghai in the Modern Era (HIST130233)

What better way to learn about your new home than to learn the history of it taught by those who live there? Learn about the last 150 years of Shanghai and what has made this “Pearl of the Orient” what it is today. You will get to investigate popular myths about Shanghai and where they come from.

Human Evolutionary Genetics (BIOL130073)

Is science your specialty? Human Evolutionary Genetics gives you the opportunity to learn about the analysis of human genome variation and evolution. This course will allow you to look at genetics through several perspectives, including anthropological, medical and forensic.

Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea (JOUR110021)

For students interested in other parts of Asia, Fudan offers a handful of courses touching on other cultures within the continent. Korea has one of the fastest growing pop cultures in the world. This course will review modern Korean film, music, television shows, and journalism to give media students a look into Korean societal, political, and cultural evolution and issues.

Tourism Marketing (TOUR130007)

Has the travel bug got you thinking about travel and tourism on a larger scale? Check out this course that covers the general tourism industry, popular marketing techniques, and consumer behavior from a Chinese and International perspective.

Introduction to Nuclear Technology (TCPH130005)

Covering everything from radiology, analysis methods, weapons, waste, and medical applications, this is your go to course of an introduction to everything nuclear technology. If you’re an engineering or technology major that’s looking to expand your knowledge, or just a student looking for an interesting science elective, this would be a great fit!

Religion in Chinese Society (SOCI130136)

This course will take you through the history of religion in China, covering some of the major communities of thought including Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and “Maoism”. You’ll also learn about the structure of religion and the history of houses of practice.

Molecular Imaging and Drug Discovery (PHAR130092)

If you’re a biology, or pre-med student, this is the course for you. This course covers drug screening, biopharmaceutical development, and therapeutic evaluation. You’ll also cover imaging modalities such as x-ray scans, computer tomography, MRI scans, and many more.

Computational Physics (MATE130078)

Looking for a unique physics course? This class bridges physics, computer science, and mathematics to help students work on their problem solving skills. You’ll cover radioactive decay, various forms of motion, quantum mechanics, and vibration.

Whether you’re studying business, humanities, science, the arts, communication or law, Fudan University offers a comprehensive course selection to help further your education.

Want to learn more about spending a semester or summer in this business and cultural hub of China? Check out our Semester or Summer in Shanghai programs.