Sex and Power in China, 1500–1950

Catalog description

This course explores the history of China (ca. 1500–1950) through the lens of gender and sexuality. By examining topics such as Confucianism, commercial sex, and women’s religious activities and literary achievement, it makes a case for gender and sexuality as drivers of historical change. It considers not only women and women’s history, but also men and masculinity, gender-nonconforming communities, and the changing relationship between gender, sexuality and social, economic, and cultural power. Students will be introduced to key questions in the study of Chinese cultural history and the history of gender and sexuality through a range of primary and secondary sources as well as film and multimedia. Our discussion will also be informed by cross-cultural comparisons with cases from other East Asian societies. Prerequisite: CHIN-SHU 201 Intermediate Chinese I or native speakers Fulfillment: Core IPC; GCS Major Elective: Chinese History, Society, and Culture; GCS Advanced Track: Advanced Undergraduate Research; Chinese Language and Literature Minor.