CHINA

Students will begin the semester exploring China and the many philosophical, social, and political revolutions that have all contributed to contemporary Chinese culture. Texts studied will include:

• The Heritage of Chinese Civilization by Albert Craig
• Tao Te Ching by Lao-Tzu
• The Bridegroom by Ha Jin (as determined by Professor)
• Lili by Annie Wang (as determined by Professor)
• In the Pond by Ha Jin (as determined by Professor)
• Family by Pa Chin (as determined by Professor)

ISLAM

During the second half of the semester Change and Tradition students will study the religious, moral, and legal precepts of Islam and the contemporary culture and politics these precepts have informed, as illustrated in the example of Egypt. Texts studied will include:

• The Meaning of the Holy Qu'ran translated by 'Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali
• Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong (as determined by Professor)
• A Brief History of Islam by Tamara Sonn (as determined by Professor)
• The Cairo House by Samia Serageldin (as determined by Professor)
• Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz (as determined by Professor)
• Distant View of a Minaret by Alifa Rifaat (as determined by Professor)

For relevant information about these texts, or about Chinese and Islamic civilization in general, follow the links below.

China Links | Islamic Middle East and Contemporary Egypt Links