CAPS 3502 - Becoming a China Hand

(crosslisted) GOVT 3503
(GB) (CA-AS)

Spring. 4 credits. Student option grading.

Intended for: junior CAPS students.

Rotating: A. Carlson, J. Chen, A. Mertha, J. Wallace.

This seminar examines the various issues that surround being a specialist of one of the world’s most complex and exciting places. The course will first look at the various groups of people that have been China Hands, including missionaries, academics, businesspeople, journalists, and government officials. One central theme is the continual conflict between being a country specialist and gaining an understanding of the broader world. The second part of the class considers the strategies for going into the field and doing research on China, including finding a host and making connections, using written sources (electronic and printed), conducting interviews, and implementing formal surveys. The last segment of the class considers the charge that China Hands are prone to self-censorship because of ideological affinity.