Course Schedule and Reading Assignments (subject to minor changes):The Ideographical Language and the Cultural logicW The May Fourth Movement9 M Reinventing Urban Legend in Occupied Shanghai11 M Buddhist VariationsIAH 204 World and AsiaSpring 2014Lectures: M and W 3-4:20 pm (C-100 Wonder Hall) C100 Wonders HallSection 1: Thursday 9:10-10:00 (119 Eppley Center )Section 2: Thursday 10:20-11:10 (N124 Business College Complex) Section 3: Thursday 11:30-12:20 (N124 Business College Complex)Section 4: Thursday 9:10-10:00 (C303 Snyder Hall)Section 5: Thursday 10:20-11:10 (C303 Snyder Hall)Section 6: Thursday 11:30-12:20 (C303 Snyder Hall)Instructors:Hsiao-ping Wang Andrew Armstrong Tyler RobertsTele: 353-0662 B 320 Wells Hall B 320 Wells Hall Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Hours: M & F W 1-2 & Th 1:30-2:30 T 1-2 & F 2-3Course Description: This course introduces students to cultural studies of Chinese and Japan literature in the context of global communications. We will examine primary materials from philosophical, historical, literary and visual texts to explore the critical polemics that interrelate tradition with modernity, and indigenous specificities with mutual experiences shared across time and space. The central emphasis is on the influential development of cross-cultural significance—what the texts mean and how they redefine general perceptions of East Asian individualities in our changingworld. Rather than taking conventional stereotypes for granted, we focus on complex interactions between the canonical mainstream and defiant diversity, for these works constitute part of literary historicity in a larger picture. It is in this light that we will take an independent position to rethink composite interplays of individual players beyond over-simplified generalizations. For example, one of the problematic orientations generalizes Asia as being the same as the West, except that it is lagging behind Western modernizations; the other approach perceives Asia as the “exotic” beyond any rational comprehension. Opposite though the two directions may seem, both approaches reinforce a totalistic perception—the former amplifies technological advancement by disregarding critical difference; the latter inflates particularity by ignoring common characteristics shared acrosscultural boundaries. Neither simplification provides a constructive stance for us to interact with Asian cultures on equal terms. It is in an attempt to comprehend China and Japan in perspective of global interactions that students are encouraged to engage in active dialogue with new ideas through interdisciplinary approaches. The primary goal of this inclusive method aims at turning unfamiliar intelligence into our strength so that we can succeed in the multicultural arena with competence and confidence. In this enlarged horizon, we can empower ourselves with the newly acquired knowledge, which prepares us to take the challenge in the here and now.Major topics in this course include dynamic roles of significant works in shaping individuality in everyday experiences, tensions between the ruling canon and defiant undercurrents, and intricate relationships of family, genders, and generations. Only when we keep our minds open can we view controversies as ongoing debates among competing forces instead of conforming blindly to the doctrinaire discourse. Critical thinking is not a given, but developed in the process of learning to explore different ideas through reading and writing.1Required Texts:1. Course packet available at Spartan Bookstore.2. Natsume Soseki, Kokoro, translated by Edwin McClellan, Washington, DC: Regnery Publishing, Inc, 2000.3. Akira Kurosawa, Something Like an Autobiography, translated by Audie E. Bock, New York : Vintage Books: 1982.4. Hikaru Okuizumi, The Stones Cry Out, translated by James Westerhoven, New York: Harcourt Brace, 1998.Grade Scale:The course grade is based on the following percentage: Tests and pop quizzes 40% Two papers (20% + 20%) 40% Presentation 10% Active participation 10%90%-100% = 4.0 85%-89% = 3.580%-84% = 3.0 75%-79% = 2.570%-74% = 2.0 65%-69% = 1.560%-64% = 1.0 1%-59% = 0 Course Requirements: 1. Active Participation:All assigned readings must be completed prior to class, for lectures are designed to enhance yourcomprehension of cultural studies rather than replace your reading. Attentive listening is one of the key elements in this course, since we address difficult issues involving complex cultures; merely showing up for class does not constitute active participation. For lectures and discussion sections, arriving late for class or leaving before the end of class will affect the grade of the givenstudent. Students are expected to engage with the material by both absorbing knowledge and expressing their ideas in a dialogic mode. Your contribution to the class will become the basis for a rewarding experience in learning.2. Tests and Pop QuizzesThere are two tests (a midterm; a final examination) and several pop quizzes. Pop quiz can be given at any time throughout the semester. Makeup tests are given only when you inform us priorto the examination, or if you provide a legitimate document to explain your absence within a week. We drop the lowest score of pop quizzes. 3. AttendanceIt is important for students to attend every lecture and section, for it is a student’s responsibility to gather knowledge and interact with different ideas. Late arrival or leaving early without any justifiable reason will affect your final grade, and this policy is applicable to both lectures and discussion sections. Moreover, your general grade will be based on how well you can use the new knowledge in academic performance. 4. PapersThere are two papers. Grades will be based on three criteria: (1) Focus on a thoughtful argument; (2) analytical exploration/interpretation of the textual materials with a cohesive argument; (3) effective expression of a critical analysis well organized in lucid language. Your work should go above and beyond what we discussed in lecture. Papers are due at the beginning of the discussion sections; late papers only receive half credit. Any use 2of others’ ideas, either cited or paraphrased, must have a full reference. All work must be submitted prior to the final examination to be included in your grade. 5.