Students will get a five-week grounding in trade relations between Australia and China as part of Curtin University’s second Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), due to begin 17 March.
The free online course will be available in both English and Chinese, with online video content and materials delivered each week to provide opportunities for discussion and activities.
Dr Michael Thorpe, Head of Economics at Curtin Business School, will also host live learning sessions.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education Professor Jill Downie said MOOCs were part of a university-wide strategy to transform the design and delivery of education at Curtin.
“Innovative thinking and the use of transformative technologies will enable students from around the world to access a quality learning experience through Curtin University in real-time, regardless of their location,” Professor Downie said.
“This new Australia China Trade (ACT) course follows on from the success of our first MOOC on astronomy, which ran for four weeks in July last year.
“China is Australia’s biggest trade partner and the MOOC will give participants an insight into developments in the two economies and an appreciation for opportunities to further strengthen the Australia-China relationship.
“The MOOC is part of Curtin’s Learning for Tomorrow strategy to evolve the student experience, align graduate outcomes with the changing expectations of employers and ensure Curtin remains highly competitive in a dynamic global market and an international leader in education and research.”
Dr Thorpe, who has been a regular visitor to China since the 1990s, said the course could open new economic opportunities in both Australia and China.
“The course is designed to enhance mutual understanding about the Australian and Chinese economies and how the existing commercial relationship is shaped by the political, social and economic changes occurring in the two countries,” Dr Thorpe said.
“It will raise awareness of opportunities for bilateral trade in goods and services and investment partnerships and provide insights into the range of issues to be considered when engaging with Australian or Chinese partners.
“At the end of the course, participants should be familiar with an array of resources that will assist individuals and firms to develop and build business relationships.”
