Asian Americans
57320 Asian Americans This course is designed to enable students to gain specific historical knowledge,and appreciation on a human scale, of the wide range of Asian American immigrant experiences through literary, historical and film narratives. This course presents histories and stories of traditionally under-represented minority groups in America: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino-Americans, and others. Some of the common themes include the struggle against racism, economic exploitation, and other legacies of colonialism, as well as the more recent ideological conflicts between capitalism and socialism. (3 credits UD) GE3-DIVR AS-ARTS AS-SOC AS-PERSP
Calligraphy
23199 Chinese Calligraphy This course introduces students to the structure and principles of character script, which has historically formed the basis for written communication throughout East Asia. Instruction in different calligraphic styles is combined with hands-on training in using the brush and ink, and ample practice in producing balanced characters, guided closely by the instructor. Experience in Chinese or Japanese language study is welcome, but not required. (1 credit) AS-ARTS
Film Studies
41299 Contemporary Asian Film Explores outstanding examples of recent films of Korea, Japan, and China and other Asian cinemas. This one-credit course starts approximately one month after the beginning of the semester, and meets five consecutive weeks. Students may consult the current schedule of classes for specific dates, and may contact the Department of English at JFT 714 257-2720 for more information about the current syllabus. (1 credit) AS-ARTS
58393 Chinese Cinema With screens across the globe projecting iconic images of Jet Li and Gong Li, Chinese motion pictures are participating in a global exchange of technology, culture, and capital that extends back to the earliest days of cinema in the 1890s. Why do films from the People's Republic, Hong Kong, and Taiwan command such attention today -- and what is "Chinese" about these cinemas? This course introduces the widely different ways in which individual directors have represented the historical experience of modern China for local and global audiences, as they grapple with issues of colonialism, nationalism, and cultural identity during the twentieth century. Through outstanding examples from each of these three regions, we examine the relationship between film narrative and collective memory; the political and ideological concerns of filmmakers during periods of radical social change, war, and revolution; cinema as an indicator of changing tastes and values; and the connections between Chinese cinema and other literary, visual, and performing arts traditions, including the popular narrative genres of historical drama, talent-beauty romance, and martial arts. (3 credits UD) AS-ARTS AS-SOC
Women & Gender
58480 Women in China This seminar explores the diverse
and changing roles of women in Chinese society, from imperial times
to the present, with special
attention to regional and class variation. We analyze a variety of
primary sources by and about women in China -- including literature in translation,
drama, visual images (documentary and narrative film; photography),
memoirs,
and oral histories. Students also read recent scholarship to develop
critical skills in thinking about gender and culture. The seminar format
helps students
develop and refine their skills at communicating findings through a
variety of means -- including critical analysis, class discussion, and oral
presentations.
Instruction is provided in accessing and utilizing library resources
relating to the Asia region and gender issues. Each student will then
develop, in
consultation with the instructor, a term research project resulting
in a 15-20 page research paper. The course provides a valuable alternative
perspective
for comparative work in history, literature, anthropology, sociology,
political science, Asian Studies, and women's studies. (3 credits UD)
AS-ARTS
AS-SOC
Some courses may be offered in rotation. For each semester's course offerings, visit the Current Schedule of Classes.
