Time Schedule:
Wei Zhi Gao
B CUSP 188
Bothell Campus
Introduces the traditional arts, cultures, and history of countries of Asia. Emphasizes the interaction between culture and geography, politics, economies, and social structures that shape, and are shaped by cultural processes and products. Specific countries varies with the instructor and quarter offered.
Class description
B CUSP 188 (UW Bothell) is a gateway to the traditional arts, cultures, and history of countries of Asia. In the spring 2009 version we will survey the cultural, intellectual and literary history of China from the introduction of Confucianism and Taoism in the ancient "Central Kingdom" to the present, following a set of interconnected texts in complex contexts. There are six sections in this course. 1. The Founding Philosophical Paradigm: Readings on Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, and Legalism will initiate a dynamic dialogue between you and the founding fathers in ancient China; 2. Gardens & Guardians: Classics on Chinese gardens and taijiquan (tai chi) will lead you closer to natural harmony; 3. Poetry & Punch Lines: in this class, you will be trained in engaging poetic reasoning in addition to appreciating euphonium effect in reading a poem; 4. Revolutions & Revelations: a sample novella entitled Half of Man is Woman (prose fiction) offers a tip of an iceberg in decoding the so-called oriental myth or riddle; 5. Business Etiquette & Cultural Taboos: Applications of Confucianism and Taoism in the business world; 6. From Ancient Virtues to Modern Vision: By the end of this journey, we will juxtapose two films, Hero (by Zhang Yimou) vs. The Emperor and the Assassin (by Chen Kaige) to reflect such concepts as the ancient virtues and modern visions.
Student learning goals
Develop critical insight into Chinese cultural, intellectual and political history;
Introduce major philosophical and literary and artistic works, ancient and modern;
Introduce students to fundamental ideas reflected in Chinese language;
Develop an appreciation of the relationship of man to nature in Chinese art;
Create an intellectual community in the classroom for the discussion of Chinese art, history, and culture.
General method of instruction
Lectures, discussions, group presentations, etc.
Recommended preparation
There are no prerequisites. Students should be open to exploring different ideas and points of view.
Class assignments and grading
Three short papers, in class presentations, creative work, and one take-home written examination.
60% on papers; 20% on written exam; 10% participation; 10% group projects.
