Core Courses
Major Electives
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Minor Electives
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The Imperial Past
An introductory overview of China’s historical, cultural, social, artistic, and political evolution from the mythical kings to the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. Students will learn about the historical roots of traditional Chinese culture, and the key events, people, ideas, and traditions that remain important today.
Towards Modern China
This more detailed survey of China since 1911 will provide students with the context for understanding China’s modernization. Special attention will be given to major historical events – the May 4th Movement, the Japanese invasion, the struggle between the Communists and the Nationalists, the founding of the People’s Republic, the years under Mao, the reforms of Deng, and the dramatic changes that are occurring as China assumes ever–increasing importance on the world stage.
The New Chinese City
China’s urban architecture has undergone monumental changes over the last thirty years. Through field studies in old and new neighborhoods, students will explore how Shanghai has been transformed and explore the relationship between architecture, lifestyles, and changes in values. Students will also look into how issues of cultural and environmental preservation, and individual rights are perceived by local people in the context of the city’s rapid development.
Economic Reforms & Its Implications
This course will examine the transformational effects of China’s reforms since 1978, the characteristics of China’s economy today, and the challenges ahead. Students will hear first–hand accounts from interviews with workers in state–owned and foreign enterprises, as well as entrepreneurs and those who were laid off. We will also consider some of the global implications of China’s emergence as the world’s second largest economy.
Confucian Tradition & Modern World Culture
China is the birthplace of Confucian values – filial piety, respect for authority, and the primacy of the collective over individual interests – that are commonly regarded as a cornerstone to East Asian culture. How have these values survived the social and political changes and Western influences in the past century? How is China’s younger generation responding to the deep conflict between old traditions and an international culture with vastly different values?
International Relations In The 21st Century
With China’s rapid rise in economic and international influence, its relationship with the US is becoming one the most important bilateral relationships for the world. What national interests and historical factors are driving this relationship? What are the major risks and opportunities? Informal discussions with locals will give our students a taste of public opinion on a range of international issues (e.g. global warming, energy security, terrorism, and Africa) as well as China’s future role in the world.
Jewish Refugees In Shanghai
During the 1930s over eighteen thousand European Jews came to Shanghai to escape Nazi persecution. These refugees well outnumbered the combined total of British, French, and American expatriates living in Shanghai, but their experiences are only now being studied. Students will learn about the unique city that offered refuge and then visit the actual neighborhoods where the refugees lived, talk with members of the contemporary Shanghai Jewish community, and study the opportunities, struggles, and survival of these often neglected participants in Shanghai’s colorful history.
Myths, Legends, Festivals, & Folklore
The ancient culture of China is incredibly rich in rituals, hidden meanings, and folklore. This course will examine specific examples, from Chinese horoscope, the Spring Festival, love and ghost stories, to food, architectural features in traditional buildings, colors, and Feng Shui, and discuss their origins, cultural importance, and influence on people today.
Chinese Women & Modernity
The 20th century has brought tremendous changes and opportunities to the lives of Chinese women. Through interviewing women from three generations and different background, students will learn about changes in their lives, ideas, expectations, and challenges, while also examining the effects of Chinese traditions, economic modernization, and the one–child policy on the female population. We will also look into stereotypical views of the Western world on Chinese women and discuss their validity.
Chinese Politics
China’s one–party rule is a very different system from the West. How does it really work? What are the key organs of power and their functions? How does the legal system operate? To what extent have the press, the internet, and public opinions influenced government actions? In what ways are the party, the government, and public expectations changing as China develops? Discussions with local university students will shed light on how the future voices of China think about these issues.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
This course will provide an overview of the principles and practices in Chinese medicine. How is Chinese medicine different from Western medicine? What approaches does it use to diagnose and improve health conditions, or treat “incurable” diseases? To what extent does Chinese and Western medicine work together in China’s healthcare system today? Students will also have an opportunity to try acupuncture (if they so wish) and experience how Qi works in the human body.
Chinese Theater
Traditional theater is one of the highest forms of art in the Chinese tradition but it is often difficult for Westerners to understand and appreciate. This course will introduce the aesthetic features of Kun Opera and use classic scripts to explain the costumes, make–up, stage actions, singing, and messages. After lectures and discussions, attendance at a live performance will bring the class activities into focus.
Lu Xun
The greatest Chinese writer of the 20th Century is also a key marker for the events of the first four decades of that century. By a close reading of Lu Xun’s most famous short story, “Diary of a Madman,” what can students learn about the key issues of the day? What does the attitude of today’s government reveal about the current use of literature and history in China? How does the Chinese literary tradition connect with and differ from that of the West?
