China (intro)

After our discussion of Japanese filmmakers from last class's post, we'll move on to China.

Let's see a brief lay of the land. As we view these films/sites, please take notes. You will be asked to set a fictional story in a Chinese setting. The material below may help you come up with ideas for your cross-cultural writing:

Traditional Religion:

• Confucianism
• Lao Tzu (& Taoism)

For more information on Confucianism & the Analects, see below:

• Confucianism
• (The Analects)
• Mao's Little Red Book (and an online copy of the book)

Literature:
We'll read a few contemporary short stories by Chinese authors during class. See handout.
Bei Dao one of the "misty poets" tradition.

Let's begin with some background and history to base a story in China.
China Tour (video)

Current politics:

• Xi Jinping
• Why China Is Building The World's Biggest City
• US Trade War with China
• Social Credit System

Should we do something like this Social Credit system?  Should we? Do we? (consider Facebook or Amazon's Alexa...) What do you think?

Chinese Politics/Culture/History:

• Information about China
• Government
• China's Dynasties in 7 Minutes (Animated History of China, Part 1; History of China, Part 2)
• A Brief Guide to the Cultural Revolution; & Why Was China's Cultural Revolution So Violent? & China's Little Red Book & Why Mao Zedong Was the Most Brutal Tyrant

Could America have a cultural revolution? What would have to happen to make it possible? Is there a "cult of personality" around anyone now in America? What might cause a cultural shift? What would it look like? Imagine.

Resources:

• Maps of China
• Chinese Names & Culture
• Chinese Cuisine
• China Daily (newspaper)

HOMEWORK: Please continue reading Red Scarf Girl. Aim to complete this book by Friday.