2010-11 Catalog

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Offering Description

China, Then and Now

Fall and Winter quarters

Faculty: Wenhong Wang sociology, journalism and communication

Fields of Study: cultural studies, international studies and sociology

Fall: CRN (Credit) Level 10303 (8)  

Winter: Enrollment Accepting New Students  CRN (Credit) Level 20213 (8)  

Credits: 8(F); 8(W)

Class Standing: Freshmen - Senior

Offered During: Day

Description

What is China? How has China changed, and how is it changing today? This program will attempt to answer these questions by exploring some thematic topics in Chinese history, society, and culture, from the classical to the contemporary.

Fall quarter, we will emphasize the foundations of Chinese culture in classical China with a focus on "Three Teachings" of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism and its manifestations in the Chinese people's deep connection with the land and China's natural environment, and their practical and creative strategies in social and economic development "with Chinese characteristics."

Winter quarter we will focus on China's modern period from the Chinese Diaspora to present-day China. We will start in the 17th century when internal ethnic disharmony and interventions by Western powers destabilized its centuries-old monarchy and continue through the 20th century when China was transformed into a republic and then into a Communist state, concluding with China's transformation since the late 1980s, with its "reform and opening up." We will study the cultural, social, economic, and political ramifications of these changes, paying close attention to China's current image as a dynamic economic powerhouse and enigmatic, ambitious world political presence.

Students interested in this program are strongly encouraged to register concurrently for a Chinese language course.

This program would serve as good preparation for students who plan to travel to China via independent learning contracts or in study abroad programs.

Maximum Enrollment: 25

Advertised Schedule: Fall: 10am to 2pm on Mon and Thu.  Winter: 9:30am to 1:30pm on Mon and Thu. 

Preparatory for studies or careers in: social sciences, and China, Asian, and international studies.

Campus Location: Olympia

Online Learning: Enhanced Online Learning

Books: www.tescbookstore.com

Program Revisions

Date Revision
July 19th, 2010 Wenhong Wang is now teaching this program alone. The major areas of study and description have been changed slightly, and the meeting times have changed.
May 24th, 2010 This program is now offered to students of any class level.