ANT 265: Contemporary Chinese Society and Culture
Fall 2008, M,W,F 10:30 - 11:20, Chambers 3084

Course Requirements

Class Participation: 10%
The most important work in this course is to be prepared for each class; this means having thoroughly read the material and being prepared to discuss particular points from the reading. Readings are due on the day listed in the class schedule. I will not summarize the readings in lecture, but will discuss the implications and difficult points in the material. Remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question or comment. A good strategy is to mark a part of the reading that you feel is important, unclear, or thought-provoking - you can then share the passage with the class.

Response Papers: 10%
You will write five (5) response papers throughout the term, no more than two pages and double-spaced. They will be graded (check +, check, check -) and require timely submission for full credit. Response papers will serve as a diagnostic for me to help me see how much you understand the reading and the concepts that we will discuss in class.

Review Essays: 40% (2 short essays)
This assignment is designed to help you review the literature that we have read and give you the opportunity to think through a particular issue that we have encountered in our readings on China; it should also help prepare your thoughts for your research paper. There will be two short essays of no more than five pages, double-spaced. I will have handouts on your writing and my grading of these essays on the course website. The first essay is due on 6 October, and the second essay is due on 10 November.

Research Paper: 40%: proposal 5%, final paper 35%
Based on your research interests, you will select a particular topic for more in-depth research and analysis. I will distribute handouts on the proposal and citing format for this term paper of no more than fifteen pages. This can be an expansion of either of your review essays. I would recommend that you meet with me individually or email me to discuss possible topics before submitting your proposal. The proposal is due on 15 September and the final paper is due on 11 December.

Submission of Writing Assignments:
All assignments (except for your peer comments) must be submitted to me electronically. You can do this in two ways: as an email attachment; or through the digital drop box in Blackboard. If you are not using Microsoft Word, please save the file as in "rich text format." If you have any questions about how to submit assignments, please see me individually.

Grading System:
Grades will follow the college system using the 4.0 scale (i.e., A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, etc. - see the college catalog) and weighted for each assignment as described above.

While students working with each other outside of class is highly encouraged, all graded, written work must be your own and pledged accordingly. All work is subject to the Davidson College Honor Code as stated in the student handbook. If there are individual accommodations for special needs, please let me know and authorize the Dean of Students to contact me so that we can work something out.