Course Descriptions ~

ASST 011 Introduction to Chinese Culture

This course explores various aspects of Chinese culture with a focus on its basic values that guide Chinese behavior, formulate Chinese conventions, and constitute the essence of Chinese thinking. Course materials cover history, religion, philosophy, literature and cinema to give students a bird's eye view of Chinese culture. The knowledge learnt in this course will help us better appreciate the tourist activities in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou and Hangzhou, which in turn will enrich our classroom learning.

LIT 87 Modern Chinese Literature

This course explores 20th century China through selected literature and films. Class discussion will concentrate on the continuation and discontinuation of traditional values under the Western influence, relationship between the individual and society, gender identity, shifts of economic structure, changes of ideology, and cultural-philosophical issues. Readings are all in English translation by major modern Chinese writers. While tracing the development of Chinese literature, this course explores diverse aspects of modern Chinese culture and society.