College Seminar - Non-Western History (103-7-24)
Topic
The Dragon & Snow Lion: Nation and Nationalism in
Instructors
Peter J Carroll
847/491-2753
Harris Hall - Room 216
Meeting Info
University Hall 412: Mon, Wed 4:00PM - 5:20PM
Overview of class
Tibet is an ethnic autonomous region of the People's Republic of China. This status recognizes the distinctive cultural and political heritage of Tibet but nonetheless affirms Tibet as an integral part of China. Tibet was "Peacefully Liberated" by the People's Liberation Army in 1950-1951. Previously, the Republican and Qing imperial states variously claimed sovereignty or suzerainty over Tibet. Many Tibetans, whether living in Tibet or abroad, contest the historical and moral legitimacy of this rule, or question the particular arrangements that govern the place of Tibet, Tibetan people, and Tibetan language and culture as part of China's mosaic of fifty-six ethnic groups. The Dalai Lama (a Buddhist spiritual leader), and foreign supporters as diverse as Bjork and Paris Hilton, have made "Free Tibet" a familiar slogan and social cause. Within China such sentiments are commonly viewed as a serious attack on national integrity. This course examines competing claims regarding the national status of Tibet in light of the historically complex cultural and political relationships between Tibet and China. We will focus on the specifics of 20th c. Chinese and Tibetan nationalisms and probe the nature of nations and nationalism generally. As a famous essay we will study asks, "What is a nation?" We will also consider the relevance of history-based nationalist arguments concerning religious freedom, cultural autonomy, modern progress, and the nature of complex, multi-cultural nations, such as China (or, for that matter, the USA).
Learning Objectives
1) Gain understanding of the present-day and historical relationship between Tibet and China and the current place of Tibet in China. We will focus on general patterns and knowledge of particular key events and people. Students will interrogate notions of colonization, nationalism, and identity from the sixteenth century to the present. 2) Provide opportunities for students to improve their capacity to discuss and analyze key events and course themes in speech and writing. What techniques can make writing more rhetorically powerful? What constitutes a good thesis/argument/point, and how might it be improved? 3) Utilize sympathetic imagination to consider the logic and effects of visions of social, cultural, and political change. In other words, students should "try on" different ways of approaching the world. 4) Analyze notions of nationalism and identity and consider Tibet-China in comparison with other countries, including the USA. In first-quarter first-year seminars, students gain skills in: • setting and evaluating academic goals • communicating effectively, both orally and in writing • studying effectively • thinking critically • understanding standards of academic integrity • knowing when and how to ask for help
Evaluation Method
Papers, final essay, participation
Class Notes
Concentration: Asia/Middle East
Class Attributes
WCAS College Seminar