Singapore University of Social Sciences

The objective of OEL330 is to provide students with the conceptual tools and learning experiences to develop a deeper understanding of innovation spirit in Shenzhen vis-à-vis the progress of China’s reformation plan. This objective will be achieved through a combination of experiential learning, elearning, classroom activities, and participation in an overseas trip to Shenzhen, China. 40 years ago, Shenzhen was called Baoan County (now a district of this city), nothing but only a barren village inhabited by farmers and fishermen. Its eventual designation as one of the four special economic zones in China saw its GDP climb to the 3rd place in the country within merely 4 decades, and establishing several Chinese “firsts”: the first stock certificate, the first theme park, the first millionaire on mainland China, the first joint-stock commercial bank, the first real-estate agency, and the first McDonald’s. This accomplishment was achieved through maintaining a fine balancing act between reformatory policies at the national level and innovative practices amongst its residents. In this course, students will have the opportunities to witness various manifestations of Shenzhen’s innovative spirit, to observe how this spirit flows through the conduct of its residents, and most importantly, to reflect on its relationship to the larger reformative movement that enveloped China over the past few decades. This would allow them to better appreciate what is meant by the Socialism with Chinese Characteristics”.