Example Syllabus

Introduction

Hello! We are three young professionals passionate about sustainability and concerned for the future of the US-China relationship and our planet. We come from different backgrounds but recognize that there exists an opportunity to create a positive impact on both issues – US-China relationship and climate change – through building dialogue, sharing knowledge, and cultivating relationships. We propose the subsequent program where we invite a small group of equally concerned, passionate, and intellectually-driven young people to engage in meaningful conversations. We would love to have you with us through this journey.

– Alex, Kevin & Tim 

Basic Overview

  • Duration: 2 months, 9 weeks between January and March

  • Meeting frequency: ~60-min sessions every other weekend (on week 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9)

  • Platform: Wechat group and Zoom meetings

Session 1- THE WORLD AS IT IS

  • Theme: Current state of US-China Relationship & Climate Cooperation

  • Pre-session material

  • Discussion

    • Introductions and backgrounds (5min) Alex

    • Icebreaker (5-10min) Alex

      • Voting game - everyone in the group takes turns stating a fact, people turn cameras on and off in agreement

    • Discussion of expectations (~10 min) Kevin

      • Why we are all here - mission of the program

      • Talk over the program again - readings and meetings ever 2 weeks

      • Readings, engagement in the discussions

        • Aims to facilitate discussions, designed to provide content, but discussions do not need to center around the exact readings assigned before the sessions

      • Chatham House rule, no recordings, safe space

      • Alex and Kevin are also thinking about the future of this program, give us feedback!

      • Optional: use a group to share current events, interesting events

    • 10:20~10:25: Discussion of material (15 minutes) Alex

      • How does the current state of US-China relations make you feel? Are you optimistic or pessimistic? Why?

      • Which is a bigger crisis: climate change or US-China relations?

      • Where does US-China communication break down?

      • What would you be doing differently if you were the US or China?

      • UN report

        • Calls for 50% of funding for adaptation - do we agree here

    • Discussion on future of this dialogue (10 mins) -Kevin

      • What should we do next? Are we happy with the syllabus? Or anything specific you would like to talk about/cover? 

      • Last session, we hope to bring in an expert to have a chat with us. Anyone you would like to converse with?

    • 10:45: Assignment of buddies (5 mins + 5 mins possible breakout) Kevin

      • Kevin - make table 

    • Conclusion

Buddy System

  • Intention:

  • Study buddy for sessions 2,3 and then switch for 4,5

  • Encouraged to set up 1-on-1’s virtual coffee chat on non-meet weeks

  • Meet with buddy for first 10 minutes, then start the overall session (can be 60+ minutes)

    • Mini catch-up, recap of past week, current event, discussion material


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Session 2-Q&A AROUND THE WORLD