This course examines the formation and development of Chinese language, ethnicity, and culture as well as their interactive relations throughout the Chinese history. By surveying the topics, analyzing the key texts and realities, the participants learn to understand the ethnicity and culture within its social contexts as expressed through the language. Topics cover from the formation of the language, standardization, dialects, identity, ethnicity, ethnic identification, to the use of language in today's popular culture and the discussion about overseas Chinese ethnic identity. Different disciplinary perspectives and historical contexts will be introduced and discussed in studying these topics.
The Course Format:
This course will be conducted through lecture, discussion, field trip, book/film review, and research paper, based on pre-assigned readings and relevant audio-visual materials. Guest speakers and extra-curriculum events will be arranged to supplement the classroom activities. Blackboard via Internet is used to assisting reading and discussing outside of the classroom.
Required Texts:
1. Smith, Richard. 1994. China's Cultural Heritage. Westview
Press. 2nd ed.
2. Gladney, Dru C. 1998. Ethnic Identity in China: The Making of a Muslim
Minority.
3. Course Pack (CP). (Available in the Bookstore).
4. Handouts in class.
5. (Recommended) Williams. Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs. (A handbook).
For questions, please email the instructor, Dr. Juwen Zhang, Juwen@willamette.edu