China, Then and Now

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.