This seminar surveys China’s cultural history through brief excerpts of significant literature well known to Chinese, and key to understanding the context of current Chinese thought. The student will acquire a knowledge of and appreciation for major literature from critical periods of Chinese history that shape or reflect the thinking of contemporary educated Chinese. The classical period set patterns of hierarchy, as well as the role of personal meditation, attachment to place and social networks. Revolutionary period work reflected the struggles of encounters with the West and national identity adjustments, from self-mocking pain at foreign repression to assertive nationalism. The major work of Mao (a classically trained librarian) continues the transitional struggle in both a practical and more strategically violent way, echoing some of the hubris of a legendary semi-hero. The final globally distinguished selections combine major elements of this literary heritage playing out in the present.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Susan Walcott has a B.A. in History from Swarthmore College, an M.A. in Chinese history from Rutgers University, a PhD. in Geography from Indiana University, and was a Ford Foundation scholar in Chinese at Princeton University. She headed the China Specialty Group of the American Association of Geographers and founded Asia Research Centers at two universities. She is now a Professor of Geography Emerita at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Her principal research interests concern regional economic development, particularly in rapidly transitioning areas throughout Asia. Books, numerous chapters and articles from grant-supported overseas research focusing on high technology parks and industry clusters (life science, furniture, tea) across the U.S. and China, modernization in Bhutan, and immigrant entrepreneurs. Active in many aspects of OLLI, she finds that giving presentations is the most fun.

ABOUT CONTINUING EDUCATION SEMINARS
These courses are for people eager to engage in a studious seminar format. Each in-person only seminar meets weekly, over four sessions. The seminars are led by current and retired professors who provide formal study guides and lead college-level discussions, with participants actively contributing to each session. Seminars are noncredit and ungraded but include challenging homework. 

Participation is open to all adults; no previous affiliation with UO is required. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) membership is not required, however, active OLLI members may register at a reduced fee.