University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Professor Elliott Parker knows economics, his broad knowledge stretching from the northern Nevada economy all the way to the world’s economy.

In fact, one of Parker’s areas of expertise is the economy of China. This insight came in handy this summer as Parker, who is chair of the Department of Economics, taught a course on “Comparative Economic Systems” at the University Studies Abroad Consortium’s Shanghai campus.

The course, according to resident director, University graduate and former University You Sha, has been “the most exciting class in Shanghai.”

Below is text from a recent email from You Sha describing Parker’s teaching, as well as the activities of the students who were involved:

“Dear friends and colleagues,

“The end of summer sessions is around the corner. All classes will wrap up next week, and students will be busy taking finals and packing for home after a hot summer in Shanghai.

“In the past weeks, Shanghai students went to Beijing, Suzhou and Nanjing for their tours and field trips. Everybody enjoyed all the trips very much despite the heat and humidity in China.

“Besides participating tours and travel, students also enjoyed doing internships in local companies …

“Students are also tutoring English to kids from the community and immerse themselves into the culture as much as they can.

“This summer, the most exciting class in Shanghai is the Comparative Economics Systems class. Five local students are enrolled. This class is taught by Professor Elliott Parker from the University of Nevada, Reno. The Chinese students think this is a great opportunity for them to take a major class from an U.S. professor and in English, although it is challenging at times. This is a pilot class that enrolls local students. We are hoping to share more classes with local university and students in the near future.”