China is not a monolith but a constantly changing self-definition. “Great nations write their autobiographies in three manuscripts, the book of their deeds, the book of their words and the book of their art. Not one of these books can be understood unless we read the two others, but of the three the only trustworthy one is the last”. (John Ruskin, 1819-1900) This is why we need to study the key historical, philosophical and literary texts critical to Chinese self-representations and self-reinventions in the modern era. The goal is to understand the constructed nature of nationhood, to realize the problematics of history, and to see works of art as cultural negotiations and translations.

The seminar is designed to develop the skills expected for liberal learning and for successful participation in the College’s academic programs. You are expected to

1. develop critical skills in writing, and maintain originality in thought,
2. interpret and analyze complex, theoretical and creative texts,
3. construct coherent arguments, and conduct researches, and
4. understand, appreciate, and critique cultural biases, including your own.