China Humanities

Course Description

Welcome to China Humanities, an enlightening journey through the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, focusing on the individual's role in shaping and expressing this heritage. This course, offered by HarvardX, delves into the heart of Chinese civilization, exploring how individuals have contributed to the creation and evolution of Chinese culture through their unique expressions in art, literature, and philosophy.

Rather than viewing China solely through political or social lenses, this course offers a refreshing perspective by examining the personal pursuits of culture and morality that have been fundamental to Chinese public life for centuries. You'll explore the works of renowned thinkers, poets, novelists, and artists, gaining insight into how their individual voices have collectively formed the foundation of Chinese culture as we know it today.

What Students Will Learn

• Cultural traditions that are revered in China today
• Interpretation skills for Chinese philosophical texts
• Analysis and appreciation techniques for masterpieces of Chinese literature
• The ability to identify the "individual voice" in visual works
• Understanding of the relationship between individual expression and cultural formation
• Insights into the historical development of Chinese thought and artistic expression
• The relevance of Chinese humanities in the modern world

Prerequisites

This is an introductory-level course with no specific prerequisites. However, a genuine interest in Chinese culture, literature, and philosophy will greatly enhance your learning experience. Basic English language proficiency is required, as the course is conducted in English.

Course Content

• Early Chinese thinkers and their concepts of self
• The individual voice in Chinese poetry
• Love and literature in classical Chinese stories
• Neo-Confucianism and its impact on Chinese thought
• Analysis of the novel "Dream of the Red Chamber"
• Chinese art, with a focus on painting and calligraphy
• The role of humanities in past and present Chinese society
• The interplay between individualism and collectivism in Chinese culture

Who This Course Is For

• Students of East Asian studies or comparative literature
• Art enthusiasts interested in Chinese visual arts
• Philosophy buffs curious about Eastern thought
• Anyone intrigued by Chinese culture and its global influence
• Professionals working with Chinese partners or in China-related fields
• Lifelong learners seeking to broaden their cultural horizons

Real-World Applications

• Enhanced cultural competence for business or diplomatic relations with China
• Improved ability to analyze and appreciate Chinese art and literature
• Better understanding of Chinese philosophical concepts that influence modern thinking
• Increased capacity for cross-cultural communication and understanding
• Valuable insights for careers in international relations, arts curation, or cultural studies
• Personal enrichment and a deeper appreciation of one of the world's oldest civilizations

Syllabus

1. Unit 1: Early Chinese Thinkers and Writers and their Notion of Self
2. Unit 2: Revealing the Individual in Chinese Poetry
3. Unit 3: Love and Literature: Yingying's Story
4. Unit 4: Neo-Confucianism
5. Unit 5: Love and Illusion in the Story of the Stone
6. Unit 6: Chinese Art: How to Paint the Inner Voice?
7. Unit 7: Humanities Past and Present
8. Unit 8: Roundtable Discussion, on the Individual and Society

Embark on this fascinating exploration of China Humanities and discover how individual voices have shaped one of the world's most enduring and influential cultures!