College Seminar (101-7-26)

Topic

The Dragon & the Snow Lion: Nation & Nationalism i

Instructors

Peter Carroll
847/491-2753
Harris Hall - Room 216

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Topic: The Dragon & the Snow Lion: Nation & Nationalism in China and Tibet

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).

Registration Requirements

First years only

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. 5) As a first-year seminar, we will also consider some intellectual and institutional practices that support success at university, including setting and evaluating academic goals, working with integrity, reading/working/studying effectively, and knowing when and how to ask for help.

Evaluation Method

Class participation (25%), discussion board (20%), reaction paper (10%), scavenger hunt (5%), essay (20%), final paper (20%)

Class Notes

History Major Concentration(s): Asia/Middle East
History Minor Concentration(S): Asia

Class Attributes

WCAS College Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration. Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required