Given the growing “China fever” nowadays and the rising global attention on
China ... Rise of the Communist China – Edgar Snow: Red Star Over China. 6.
HUMA 6001S – China in the Foreigners’ Eyes Professor May-‐yi SHAW Email:
[email protected] Office Hours: Wednesday 2:30-‐5:30pm (Rm 3346) I. Course Description: Given the growing “China fever” nowadays and the rising global attention on China as the next superpower, this course aims to explore China “in and through the foreigners’ eyes”. By conducting an in-‐depth examination of the variety of writings and observations – novels, memoirs, academic writings and journalistic reporting – by foreign individuals on China and its people, society, and modernity, this course seeks to bring to light the perspectives of “the others” that yield unique insights or clarity about our understanding of China which may have been unaware of or overlooked by the “natives”. II. Course Theme & Readings:
Sept 4
Introduction: Identity Through the Eyes of Others
Sept 11
China Before the Republic: Reginald Johnston – Twilight in the Forbidden City
Sept 18
Role of the Revolutionaries: Jonathan Spence – The Gate of Heavenly Peace
Sept 25
Portrayal of the Chinese Land: Pearl S. Buck – The Good Earth
Oct 2
China Under Occupation: Uchiyama Kanzo – A Japanese View on China (Chinese)
Oct 9
Rise of Red China: Edgar Snow – Red Star Over China
Oct 16
Farewell, Republican China!: John Leighton Stuart – Fifty Years in China
Mid-‐term Mid-‐term paper: Due at 11pm, Oct 27 (electronic copy via email) Oct 23
The Mao Era in Reflection: Chang Jung – Wild Swan: Three Daughters of China
Oct 30
Sweatshop China: Leslie T. Chang – Factory Girl
Nov 6
Lost in Transnational Translation: David Henry Hwang – Chinglish
Nov 13
Sino-‐World Relations Then and Now: Henry Kissinger – On China
Nov 20
Predicting Future China: Martin Jacques – When China Rules the World
Nov 26
Students’ Final Project Presentations
1
III. Course Requirements:
• • • •
Attendance & Quizzes
15%
In-‐Class Participation
20%
Mid-‐term Paper
25%
Group Final Project
Presentation
15%
Paper
25%
Participation: Participation is weighed heavily in this course. Students are expected to complete the reading assignment PRIOR to coming to class and be ready to discuss and engage in class. If no speaking effort is made in class, attendance alone cannot guarantee a high mark for this portion of your grade. Those who are absent for more than 5 times will NOT pass this course.
Mid-‐term Paper: The mid-‐term paper will be a 6 to 8-‐page paper on a topic related to the first half of the course. A number of paper topics will be given on October 16, and students are welcome to discuss the decided paper topic and content with the professor in advance.
Group Final Project:
• The group (2-‐3 people) final project consists of 2 parts – a 10-‐min presentation and a 12 to 18-‐page paper (depending on the size of the group).
• The project will be a creative endeavor that connects your real-‐life observations or insights on China with a critical reflection on the issues and topics covered in this course. For example, you may want to interview a foreigner and compare and contrast his/her view of China with yours or other authors’. Or you may explore a contemporary social issue in China by sorting through sources given by foreign media or experts.
• The presentation needs to be conducted in some form of multi-‐media style – self-‐made PowerPoint, iMovie, video clips, etc.
• Please confirm your topic with the professor by November 13th the latest. IV. Class Rules:
• NO plagiarism!!! – Violations (including using online translation device such as Google translation) will result in a ZERO on your grade.
• No use of mobile phone – i.e. no talking, texting, emailing, or web browsing on your mobile phone. Please put your phone on silent mode in class. If constant user is found or a message/ring tone is heard, your phone will be taken away until the class ends.
• Listening etiquette – please listen carefully while someone is talking. • Speaking etiquette – please allow others to finish their sentence before you offer yours. 2
