Bryn Mawr College

East Asian Studies

Students may complete a major in East Asian Studies or a minor in Chinese or Japanese.

Chairs

Richard Hamilton, Professor and Co-Chair at Bryn Mawr College (on leave semester II)
Robert Dostal, Professor and Co-Chair at Bryn Mawr College, semester II
Hank Glassman, Associate Professor and Co-Chair at Haverford College

Faculty at Bryn Mawr College

Tz’u Chiang, Senior Lecturer
Robert Dostal, Professor and Co-Chair, semester II
Richard Hamilton, Professor and Co-Chair (on leave semester II)
Yonglin Jiang, Visiting Associate Professor
Pauline Lin, Assistant Professor (on leave semester II)
Tsung L. Tsai, Chinese Drill Instructor
Changchun Zhang, Instructor

Faculty at Haverford College

Hank Glassman, Associate Professor and Co-Chair
Shizhe Huang, Associate Professor (on leave semester I)
Yoko Koike, Senior Lecturer
Paul Jakov Smith, Professor
Kimiko Suzuki, Visiting Instructor

Faculty by discipline:

Chinese Language

Tz’u Chiang
Shizhe Huang, Director (on leave semester I)
Pauline Lin (on leave semester II)
Tsung L. Tsai
Changchun Zhang, Acting Director, semester I

Japanese Language

Hank Glassman
Yoko Koike, Director
Kimiko Suzuki

The Bi-College Department of East Asian Studies links rigorous language training to the study of East Asian, and particularly Chinese and Japanese, culture and society. In addition to our intensive programs in Chinese and Japanese languages, departmental faculty offer courses in East Asian philosophy, linguistics, literature, religion and social and intellectual history. The East Asian Studies Department also incorporates courses by affiliated Bi-College faculty on East Asian anthropology, cities, economics, philosophy and sociology, as well as additional courses on East Asian culture and society by faculty at Swarthmore.

The intellectual orientation of the Department of East Asian Studies is primarily historical and text-based; that is, we focus on East Asia’s rich cultural traditions as a way to understand its present, through the study of primary sources (in translation and in the vernacular) and scholarly books and articles. All students wishing to specialize in this humanistic approach to the study of China, Japan and (with special approval) Korea are encouraged to consider the East Asian studies major. But we also work closely with affiliated faculty in the Bi-Co and Tri-Co community who approach East Asia from the perspective of such social science disciplines as anthropology, economics, political science, sociology and the growth and structure of cities, as well as with faculty in history, music, religion and philosophy. East Asian studies majors are encouraged to take advantage of these programs to supplement their East Asian studies coursework.

Major Requirements

Requirements for the major are:

1. Completion of at least the third-year level of (Mandarin) Chinese or Japanese (i.e., 101-102). Students who entered college with native fluency in one East Asian language (including Korean) must complete this requirement with another East Asian language.
2. EAST 200 (Major Seminar: Methods and Approaches to East Asian Studies), which highlights the emergence of East Asia as a coherent cultural region and introduces students to basic bibliographic skills and research approaches.
3. Five additional courses in East Asian cultures, as follows: one 100-level Introduction (from among EAST 120, 129, 131 or 132); two 200-level courses; and two 300-level seminars.
4. A senior seminar (EAST 398, 399, culminating in the completion of a senior thesis early in the spring semester).

Minor Requirements

The Department of East Asian Studies offers minors in both Chinese and Japanese. The requirement is six courses in either language.

Language Placement Tests

Placement tests for first-time students at all levels are conducted in the first week of the fall semester. To qualify for third-year language courses students need to finish second-year courses with a score of 3.0 or above in all four areas of training: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In the event that students do not meet the minimum grade at the conclusion of second-year language study, they must consult with the director of the respective language program and work out a summer study plan that may include taking summer courses or studying on their own under supervision. They must take a placement test before starting third-year language study in the fall.

Honors

Honors in East Asian studies will be awarded by the departmental faculty on the basis of superior performance in two areas: coursework in major-related courses (including language classes), and the senior thesis. A 3.7 average in major-related coursework is considered the minimum necessary for consideration for honors.

Study Abroad

The Department of East Asian Studies strongly recommends study abroad to maximize language proficiency and cultural familiarity. Because study abroad provides an unparalleled opportunity to study a culture from the inside, students spending a semester or year in China, Japan or Korea will be required to prepare an essay of 10 pages on significant issues confronting their host country, based on information from local newspapers or magazines, television or personal interviews. No departmental credit will be granted for study abroad without satisfactory completion of this assignment, whose details should be worked out with the student’s adviser.

Formal approval is required by the study abroad adviser prior to the student’s travel. Without this approval, credit for courses taken abroad will not be accepted by the East Asian Studies Department.

If studying abroad is not practical, students may consider attending certain intensive summer schools approved by the East Asian Studies Department. These plans must be worked out in concert with the department’s study abroad adviser and the student’s dean.

EAST B131 Chinese Civilization

A broad chronological survey of Chinese culture and society from the Bronze Age to the 19th century, with special reference to such topics as belief, family, language, the arts and sociopolitical organization. Readings include primary sources in English translation and secondary studies. (Jiang, Division I or III; cross-listed as HIST B131)

EAST B200 Major Seminar: Methods and Approaches in East Asian Studies

Introduces current and prospective majors to the scope and methods of East Asian Studies. Employs readings on East Asian history and culture as a platform in critical analysis, bibliography, cartography, and the formulation of research topics and approaches. Culminates in a substantial research essay. Required of East Asian Studies majors, but open to others by permission, the course should be taken in the junior year if possible. Prerequisite: one year of Chinese or Japanese. (Jiang, Division I or III)

EAST B206 Modern Chinese Literature and Film

Introduces the development of modern Chinese literature and related film since the 19th century in terms of the significant motifs of enlightenment and decadence. The course enriches the understanding of heterogeneous “modernities” rather than the homogeneous “modernity” in modern China. (Zhou, Division III) Not offered in 2009-10.

EAST B210 Topics in Chinese Culture and History

This course is a broad chronological survey of Chinese history with a focus on foreign relations. In this period, China stood at the center of the emerging world economy. The rise of Inner Asian armies on horseback led China to be ruled by Mongolian and Manchurian leaders, fostering new notions of the empire. Interactions with Europeans became more common, from Marco Polo near the beginning of the period to British merchants at the end. Students are encouraged to relate these changes to their understanding of present day China. (Lin, Division III) Not offered in 2009-10.

EAST B212 Introduction to Chinese Literature: Literature of Everyday Life

The rituals of everyday life mark the passing of our personal histories: they include the basics for sustenance, as well as the extravagant and serendipitous occurrences; there is a rhythm to daily life, and there are interruptions to that rhythm. At the same time, records of daily life also reflect a given period, its culture, people or individual writers. This course explores literature about everyday life beginning from the earliest times with the Book of Songs to the great 18th-century novel, The Dream of the Red Chamber. Topics include: farm life and gardens, the “things” in life, travels, courtship, dreams, tea culture, and food. (Lin, Division III)

EAST B225 Topics in Modern Chinese Literature: Modern China through Literature, Art and Film

This course explores modern China from the early 20th century to the present through its literature, art and films, reading them as commentaries of their own time. We will begin with the May Fourth Movement and conclude with the social and ecological effects of China’s recent economic boom. Materials will include literary works of Lu Xun, Ba Jin, Zhou Zuoren, Zhang Ailing; artworks of Xu Beihong, Zhang Dali, and the modern experimentalists; films by the Chinese Fourth and Fifth Generation filmmakers, as well as documentaries by Carma Hinton and Antony Thomas. (Lin, Division III; cross-listed as HART B225 and HIST B220) Not offered in 2009-10.

EAST B229 Comparative Urbanism: Colonial and Postcolonial Cities

This course exams the issues of colonialism, postcolonialism, and urbanism in a Chinese context. As Chinese society transformed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, cities were at the forefront of change, becoming symbols of both the promise and the discontents of modernity. At the same time, Chinese cities maintained their roles as centers of economic, political, and religious activity. How did these shifts affect urban life? We will consider answers to these questions with reference to hygiene, markets, military bases, crime, imperialism and labor. (McDonogh, Division I; cross-listed as CITY B229, ANTH B229, and HART B229) Not offered in 2009-10.

EAST B263 The Chinese Revolution

Places the causes and consequences of the 20th-century revolutions in historical perspective, by examining its late-imperial antecedents and tracing how the revolution has (and has not) transformed China, including the lives of such key revolutionary supporters as the peasantry, women, and intellectuals. (Jiang, Division I; cross-listed as HIST B263)

EAST B264 Human Rights in China

This course will examine China's human rights issues from a historical perspective. The topics include diverse perspectives on human rights, historical background, civil rights, religious practice, justice system, education, as well as the problems concerning some social groups such as migrant laborers, women, ethnic minorities and peasants. (Jiang, Division I; cross-listed as HIST B260)

EAST B267 The Development of the Modern Japanese Nation

(Takenaka, Division I; cross-listed as SOCL B267 and ANTH B267) Not offered in 2009-10.

EAST B270 Japanese Architecture and Planning

(Hein, Division III; cross-listed as CITY B270 and HART B270) Not offered in 2009-10.

EAST B272 Topics in Early and Medieval China: Chinese Cities and City Culture

Cities are the political, cultural, and economic centers of a time and space; each is distinguished by geographic locale, architectural details, inhabitants, and its literary, artistic, and historical milieu. We investigate the literary and cultural artifacts: beginning with magnificent Chang’an and Luoyang; on to medieval Ye and Luoyang, the cosmopolitan eighth-century Chang’an, and concluding with bustling 11th-century Bianjing. Extensive use of visual materials, such as city plans and descriptions, architecture and gardens, works by notable writers and painters. (Lin, Division I; cross-listed as HART B272) Not offered in 2009-10.

EAST B325 Topics in Chinese History and Culture: China’s Environment:History, Policy, and Rights

Most commentators link China’s environmental issues to the country’s post-1978 economic growth and overlook the historical roots of many of these ecological problems. This course will investigate key topics in the environmental history of China over the last three thousand years. We will begin by considering a range of analytical approaches, including environmental history, institutional politics, human rights, and political ecology, and will then explore three general periods in China’s environmental changes: imperial times, Mao’s socialist experiments, and the post-Mao reforms. (Jiang, Division III; cross-listed as HIST B326)

EAST B352 China’s Environment: History, Policy, and Rights

This seminar explores China’s environmental issues from a historical perspective. It begins by considering a range of analytical approaches , and then explores three general periods in China’s environmental changes, imperial times, Mao’s socialist experiments during the first thirty years of the People’s Republic, and the post-Mao reforms. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. (Jiang, Division I; cross-listed as HIST B352)

EAST B354 Identity, Ritual and Cultural Practice in Contemporary Vietnam

(Pashigian, Division I; cross-listed as ANTH B354) Not offered in 2009-10.

EAST B398 Senior Conference

A research workshop culminating in the writing and presentation of a senior thesis. Required of all majors; open to concentrators and others by permission. (Glassman, Lin)

EAST B399 Senior Conference

Thesis. (Glassman)

EAST B403 Supervised Work

(staff)

Haverford College currently offers the following courses in East Asian Studies:

EAST H201 Introduction to Buddhism
EAST H218 Chinese Calligraphy As An Art Form
EAST H244 Anthropology of China
EAST H265 Modern Japan
EAST H132 Japanese Civilization
EAST H240 Economic Development and Transformation: China vs. India
EAST H260 Mid-Imperial China, 1600-1900
EAST H349 Topics in Comparative History
EAST H370 Topics in Buddhist Studies: The Lotus Sutra
EAST H382 Topics in Chinese Syntax and Semantics

East Asian Languages

The East Asian Studies Department welcomes students who wish to combine their interests in East Asian languages with the study of an East Asian culture. These students are urged to consult the coordinator of East Asian studies on either campus, who will advise them on creating individual plans of study in appropriate departments.

Chinese Language

Tz’u Chiang
Shizhe Huang, Director (on leave semester I)
Pauline Lin
Tsung L. Tsai
Changchun Zhang, Acting Director, semester I

The Chinese Language Program offers a full undergraduate curriculum of courses in Mandarin Chinese. Students who will combine language study with focused work on East Asian society and culture may wish to consider the major or minor in East Asian studies. Information about study abroad programs can be found under the East Asian studies heading in this catalog.

College Foreign Language Requirement

The College’s foreign language requirement may be satisfied by completing CNSE 003 and 004 with an average grade of at least 2.0 or with a grade of 2.0 or better in CNSE 004.

CNSE B001, B002 First-year Chinese

An intensive introductory course in modern spoken and written Chinese. The development of oral-aural skills is integrated through grammar explanations and drill sessions designed to reinforce new material through active practice. Six hours a week of lecture and oral practice plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course carrying three units of credit; both semesters are required for credit. (Chiang, Zhang)

CNSE B003, B004 Second-year Chinese

Second-year Chinese aims for further development of language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Five hours of class plus one-on-one sessions with the instructor. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. (Chiang, Zhang, Language Level 2)

CNSE B101, B102 Third-year Chinese

A focus on overall language skills through reading and discussion of modern short stories, as well as on students’ facility in written and oral expression through readings in modern drama and screenplays. Readings include representative works from the May Fourth Period (1919-27) to the present. Audio- and videotapes of drama and films are used as study aids. Prerequisite: Second-year Chinese or permission of instructor. (Chiang, Language Level 2)

CNSE B201 Advanced Chinese Through Film and Art

Through reviews, interviews, newspaper articles, and essays on film and art, this course has two aims: first, to introduce students to Chinese films, documentaries, and modern Chinese art; and second, to enrich students’ vocabulary in discussing cultural issues confronting China today. We will study the works of Fourth through Sixth generation directors (Wu Tianming, Zhang Yimou, Jia Zhangke), and will look at artworks by modern Chinese artists (Li Hua to Wang Quingsong), read and write about urgent issues facing contemporary China expresses through art. Prerequisite: third-year Chinese or above. (Lin, Division III)

CNSE B202 Advanced Chinese: Readings in Contemporary Chinese Culture

Through non-fiction writings this course begins with the 1980’s and concludes with contemporary China. Enriches the students’ vocabulary in and understanding of social, cultural and business issues confronting China today. Students will read and write about urgent matters that China is facing; while enhancing aural and spoken skills through presentations and discussions. Prerequisite: Third-year Chinese or the equivalent. (Huang).

CNSE B403 Supervised Work

(staff)

Japanese Language

Hank Glassman
Yoko Koike, Director
Kimiko Suzuki

College Foreign Language Requirement

The College’s foreign language requirement may be satisfied by completing JNSE 003 and 004 with an average grade of at least 2.0 or with a grade of 2.0 or better in JNSE 004.

JNSE H001, H002 First-year Japanese

An intensive introduction to the four basic skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening), with special emphasis on the development of conversational fluency in sociocultural contexts. Six hours per week of lecture and oral practice. This is a year-long course; both semesters are required for credit. (Koike)

JNSE H003, H004 Second-year Japanese

A continuation of first-year Japanese, with a focus on the further development of oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. Five hours per week of lecture and oral practice. Prerequisite: First-year Japanese or equivalent. (staff)

JNSE H101, H102 Third-year Japanese

A continuation of language study with further development of oral proficiency. Emphasis on reading and discussing simple texts. Advanced study of grammar and kanji; introduction to composition writing. Three hours of class, one hour of oral practice. Prerequisite: Second-year Japanese or equivalent. (Koike)

JNSE H201, H202 Fourth-year Japanese

Advanced Japanese language training with a focus on reading. Students in this course will learn many new kanji, will be introduced to classical Japanese grammar, will watch movies and films dealing with contemporary topics, and will continue to deepen their understanding of the Japanese language. Prerequisite: Third-year Japanese or equivalent and consent of the instructor. (Koike)

JNSE H480 Independent Study

Modern urban Japan: advanced readings in Japanese and English.