Course Offerings
Earn college-credit while on your program
The following college credit courses are offered on Dragons programs through University of Montana (UM), who serves as the School of Record for these courses.
Please contact us if you are interested in seeing a sample syllabus for any courses.
COLS 191: Self & Culture in Experiential Cohorts
Designed to use a student’s real-world experiences as a foundation for understanding fundamental principles of communication, relationship-building, cultural development, and other group dynamics.
- Full Description: This course provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students participating in study-away programs. The course is designed to use a student’s real-world experiences as a foundation for understanding fundamental principles of communication, relationship-building, cultural development, and other group dynamics within an experiential cohort-based program. Students will engage in self-reflection and explore group dynamics in various contexts, gaining essential skills for personal and professional communication while examining the particular dynamics of a cohort-based experience in various cultural settings. Through readings, reflections, and applications to real-world examples, students will examine the roles that culture, identity, and communication play in cohort formation within personal, academic, and/or professional settings.
- Eligible Programs: All international Gap Semesters, and all international Summer Programs that are at least 3 weeks in length
- School of Record: University of Montana
- Credits: 3 semester-credits
CTE 191: Introduction to Leadership Development
Introduces students to the principles, theories, and practices of leadership development.
- Full Description: This course provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students participating in study-away programs. The course is designed to introduce students to the principles, theories, and practices of leadership development. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, self-reflection, and practical applications to lived experiences, students will gain insights into effective leadership strategies, communication skills, and ethical decision-making. The course facilitates critical self-assessments of students’ leadership styles, and examines successful leadership qualities in various personal and professional contexts.
- Eligible Programs: All international Gap Semesters, and all international Summer Programs that are at least 3 weeks in length
- School of Record: University of Montana
- Credits: 3 semester-credits
CHIN 191: Mandarin I*
Beginner-level Mandarin Chinese language with a focus on effective communication.
- Full Description: This course introduces students to standard Mandarin Chinese language and is designed for students with no or minimal previous background in spoken or written Mandarin. Students in this course focus on learning essential vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and understanding simple grammatical structures. This knowledge prepares students to effectively communicate in Mandarin on a limited range of topics related to everyday situations. Students practice listening and speaking in real-life situations, learn to read and write Chinese characters, and examine how culture and language interact in China. In-class activities and course assignments aim to assist students as they develop the oral proficiency and confidence necessary to initiate simple conversations. Out-of-classroom experiences such as field trips and guided interactions with native speakers supplement formal classroom instruction and provide ample opportunities for practical engagement. In addition, language skills gained in this course support students to deepen participation in other program and academic activities such as homestays and the Independent Study Project.
- Eligible Programs: Summer and Gap Semester programs in China
- School of Record: University of Montana
- Credits: 3 semester-credits
CHIN 291: Mandarin II*
Intermediate-level Mandarin Chinese language with a focus on effective communication.
- Full Description: This course introduces students to more challenging standard Mandarin Chinese language material to establish a solid foundation for the use of the language. Students in this course focus on building on past language exposure to improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students expand their oral expression abilities by increasing vocabulary, improving understanding of grammar concepts, strengthening pronunciation abilities, focusing on listening comprehension, and building on previously studied Chinese characters. This course introduces new language concepts to allow students to speak about topics pertaining to their daily lives and also focuses on deepening knowledge of Chinese culture and customs. By the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to engage in basic daily conversations, read simple texts, and write for daily needs. In-class activities and course assignments aim to assist students as they develop the ability to appropriately use language and improve proficiency. Out-of-classroom experiences such as field trips and guided interactions with native speakers supplement formal classroom instruction and provide ample opportunities for practical engagement. In addition, language skills gained in this course support students to deepen participation in other program and academic activities such as homestays and the Independent Study Project.
- Eligible Programs: Summer and Gap Semester programs in China
- School of Record: University of Montana
- Credits: 3 semester-credits
* Mandarin language courses are available starting in Fall 2025
