New Courses: Music and Politics, U.S. China Policy, and Chinese Dance

Three new courses offered in the winter quarter

Music and Politics in East Asia

Ethnomusicology 193

M 1-3 pm

This two-unit course is aimed primarily at undergraduates majoring in any field of music (ethnomusicology, music, musicology), world arts and cultures, or East Asian studies, although others with general interest in any of these areas are also welcome. Designed in a "journal club" format to maximize discussion, the class will investigate the intersection of music, politics, and diplomacy in several countries that take their cultural capital very seriously. Most case studies will focus on contemporary issues in mainland China, both Koreas, Japan, Taiwan, and Tibet, although the 2500-year history of ideological manipulation of music in the region will also be considered. Working from a variety of websites, readings, films, and sound recordings, we shall explore both primary sources (such as the speeches of Kim Jong Il, documents of the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan, and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts website) and scholarly publications. Each student will keep a journal commenting on the materials read and viewed, and each student will lead one class discussion.

There are no pre-requisites, and the grading is P/NP. Consistent attendance and timely completion of the reading assignments are essential.

U.S.-China Relations: Current Political and Economic Issues

Public Policy 290

Tues 2-5 pm

Instructor: Robert Wang, Diplomat in Residence

This graduate course focuses on the major issues in U.S. relations with China and examines prospects and strategies for the future. The course will start with a review of bilateral relations since the Nixon years and will examine how U.S. foreign policy is made. Current issues will be examined through an exploration of differing and common interests as well as the factors that are likely to affect resolving these issues. Students will draft an information memo, highlighting key policies, factors, and interests of both countries. At the end of the course, students will draft a comprehensive China Strategy memo that incorporates the various issues, sets priorities, and recommends courses of action. Robert Wang is a State Department officer who has worked on China policy for a decade.

Chinese Dance

World Arts and Cultures 10

M & W 1- 2:30 pm

Instructor: Jia Wu [e-mail]

This course will introduce two kinds of Chinese traditional dance: the Sword Dance and Yangge (also known as the handkerchief dance). Students will first acquire the basic movements and will then move onto mastering steps. These two dances provide a solid foundation for learning about traditional Chinese dance.

The Sword Dance

The Sword Dance originated ca. 633, in the Tang dynasty. It is a combination of dance and Chinese martial arts. In the class, students use taichi principles to wield the sword, and learn how to inhale and exhale to facilitate movement. This dance emphasizes timing, rhythm, and flow.

Yangge

Yangge is the main dance form of the Han people. In Yangge, people dance with two handkerchiefs or with one handkerchief and one fan. Normally yangge is performed during holiday festivals. There are four regionally distinct styles of yangge. Students in this course will learn the form popular in Northeastern China. Yangge is often used to express different emotions and identify specific characters.The images created by the movements of the handkerchief and combined with particular rhythms, signal different personality traits. For example: Rao hua (a movement where the arms to create a circle) is used to express the delicate beauty and shyness of a young woman; Xiao Yang Fei is usually used to represent a teenager who is a bold teaser. The purpose of the handkerchief dance is to develop the technique of using the wrist and to express the different characters.

Published: Wednesday, January 11, 2006

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