FYS439
Defining Difference: How China and the United States Think about Racial Diversity
Subject code
FYS
Course Number
439
Department(s)
Instructor(s)
N. Faries
Course Long Title
Defining Difference: How China and the United States Think about Racial Diversity
Description
"China's national minorities excel at singing and dancing." Such a broad generalization about ethnic groups could get someone fired in the United States. In China, this type of statement is touted as simple fact. In this seminar students compare U.S. and Chinese experiences with racial diversity and consider the uses the two countries make of ethnic categories. Are Americans being hypocritical in criticizing China on these issues? Does China's relative lack of diversity excuse attitudes that outsiders consider "racist"? Students read historical and contemporary sources and watch a popular Chinese TV show in translation, as they wrestle with and write about these provocative issues.
Modes of Inquiry
Analysis and Critique [AC], Historical and Social Inquiry [HS]
Writing Credit
W1
GEC This Course Belongs To
-
Class Restriction
Exclude Sophomores, Exclude Juniors, Exclude Seniors