Capstone Academic Research Project
One important and distinctive component of the Alliance programs in Beijing and Shanghai is the Capstone Academic Research Project, in which students delve into a particular area of interest over the course of the semester as part of their academic work. These projects challenge students to engage with Chinese people from various walks of life and deepen their understanding of an aspect of Chinese society, culture, business practices, or current policy.
The Capstone Project is intended as a research project that makes use of more than academic readings and secondary source materials (such as published research data and other findings). While these are potentially very important components of any research project and should be part of the project, the Capstone is more importantly intended to be a one in which students take advantage of being in China. The work will not only be more interesting but students will learn a great deal by using the resources that they would not have access to at their home universities. Students incorprate interviews, participant observation, and other methods to develpo a final paper and presentation. Many students develop this project as part of a senior thesis or broader research project in the future.
The Capstone Project is a graded component of the required course taught in English (Issues in Contemporary Society and Culture at the Fudan and Beijing programs, or China: Economic Giant at the SUFE program). the Capstone Research Project comprises 40% of the grade for this course. Graded project work includes a project abstract with a problem statement and research methodology outline, owerpoint presentation during the last two weeks of class, and a final paper of 3,000 words.
Examples of Alliance Students' Capstone Projects:
SUFE International Business Program Projects
- What Role Will Central Planning Play in China's Future Economic Development?
- Currency Revaluation and China's Influence in the Global Economy
- China and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Shanghai's Burgeoning Fashion Industry and Its Popular Accessibility
- China's Illegitimate Market for Fake Designer Clothing and Accessories
- The Environmental Impacts of Development
- Educating IT Employees for a Competitive Global Market
- The Hukou System in an Era of Economic Liberalization
- The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economy and Society
- China's Brain Drain - Will It Continue?
- Advertising in China - Health and Beauty Marketing in a Gendered Business Culture
- Luxury Shipbuilding in China
- Investing in Asia's Emerging Markets
- Market Outlook for Luxury Goods in China: Ferrari/Maserati Case Study
- Starbucks: Transforming China One Cup of Coffee at a Time
Fudan Program Projects:
- A History of Contemporary Propaganda as Art
- Global Marketing Practices among US Firms: A Best Buy Case Study
- Concept of Self and Its Relation to the Other in the Wake of Chinese State Socialism
- The Computer Game Industry in Shanghai's Gamer World
- What is the Significance of the Mandate of Heaven Today?
- The Rights and Status of Female Rural Migrants
- One Child Policy and the Social Implications Arising from It
- Democracy in China
- Chinese Relationships
- Global Climate Change in China
- Cultural Relations between China and Taiwan
BLCU Beijing Program Projects:
- The Increase of Cosmetic Surgery in China
- Attitudes Toward Gay and Lesbian Life in China
- Martial Arts in China
- Marginalized Workers in Beijing
- Religions in China
- China's Olympic-Related Environmental Issues
- Birth Control Policy and Women's Social Status in China
- Chinese Contemporary Arts - 798 Art District
- Heath Care in Contemporary China
- The Education of Migrant Workers' Children in Urban Areas
