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HIST107
The Chinese Mirror
HIST107 SP
Crosslistings: EAST107
Photo Caption and Credits
Next Offered in 9798 FA
This seminar will explore the sources and implications of
cultural myths and stereotypes. Readings and discussion
will focus on Western images of China, on how they developed
over time and on how they affected -- often negatively --
the conduct of foreign relations between China and the West.
The most recent American "opening" toward China will be
explored in the light of a long history of image-ladden
intercourse between the "Central Kingdom" and the more
modern Western nation-states.
Throughout, the challenge will be to develop a methodology
for critical cross-cultural analysis -- an analysis that
takes into account the limitations of the observer and the
observed. Since the seminar will invariably touch upon the
students' own images of foreign cultures, the most basic
prerequisite for the course is a willingness to engage in
conscientious self-reflection.
MAJOR READINGS
Isaacs, IMAGES OF ASIA
Spence, MEMORY PALACE OF MATTEO RICCI
Barnett and Fairbank, CHRISTIANITY IN CHINA
A.Smith, CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS
Spence, TO CHANGE CHINA
Garret, THE YMCA IN CHINA
Hersey, THE CALL
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Students will be expected to
write a weekly essay of 1-2 pages, due on Mondays at noon
(NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED). In addition, each
student will write a longer essay 10-12 pages on some
problem, person, or institution covered in the China portion
of the PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN BOARD FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
Unless
preregistered students attend the first class meeting or
communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first
class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE:
Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the
Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Seminar
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level: UG Credit: 1.00
Prerequisites:
None
Last Updated on MAR-10-1997
About the Photo:
A contemporary Chinese athlete
Reference:
Arnold, Eve. IN CHINA, New York: Alfred Knopf, 1980
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459