Day 4
Mon. Jan. 18
Review words and phrases
Writing to be read; contributing to the “literature”
Speakers (Derrick, Rachael, Rixin) and discussion
Homework
➤ Be ready to share observations on MCMP 2019 Edition sample chapters
We didn’t get a chance to talk about these this class, so please be ready to share your thoughts next class:
Read the introduction and three sample chapters from My Country and My People, 2019 Edition. As you read, consider these questions and be ready to share your answers next class:
In the introduction:
How do the authors (Tong Le and Tang Chunxin) define “culture”? (Also, what metaphors do they use to describe their understanding of culture?)
What is the purpose of the writing in this book and how does its purpose relate to their definition of culture?
In the chapters (Giving Gifts, Choosing WeChat Profile Photos, Punch Card Tourism):
What patterns do you notice in terms of how the essays are structured? (What’s in the beginning? What’s in the middle? What’s at the end?)
Which of these essays did you most enjoy reading, and why? (Please note that I didn’t choose these chapters because they’re the “best,” but because I think they could be most interesting and useful to talk about.)
Are there any of these essays where you have a different view from the author’s, or something else you might add to what the author has already said? (Or, if you were to write about this same topic, how might you write about it differently?)
➤ Read, research, write
While you’re waiting for my feedback on your essay beginning, read the chapters I sent you, and think about what else you might need to read to understand what “they say” — what other writers have said about your topic, or what common views are held about your topic.
(Note: Chinese sources are welcome too, but I recommend you make an effort to read what’s written on your subject in English, and cite at least one English source.)
I will leave my books on Chinese culture in the LCC mini-library next to CC1070. You are welcome to consult them as long as you don’t leave the area; I recommend you download the app Camscanner so that you can use your phone to scan chapters relevant to your topic.
I’ll also give you some reading recommendations as part of my feedback on your essay beginning.
If at this point you’ve already decided to change your beginning to narrow your focus — remember you should be focusing on something Chinese people often do, i.e. an activity, behavior, or habit — you can feel free to rewrite your beginning. If you want to do this, though, please message me on WeChat and let me know.
➤ Speakers: Tianji, Jingheng, Kaige
In 2-3 minutes, describe the “thing Chinese often people do” that you’re writing about — the activity, behavior, or habit — and tell us what questions you think a foreigner in China might have about this practice. End your mini-presentation with a question to the class to get our discussion started.