Thousands of books and articles have been written on China's great culture and history. The handful of references listed here are intended to help students appreciate the historic and cultural context of the works discussed in the East and West course (not turn you into Chinese scholars). They also provide a good starting point for additional research.
ON THE WEB
History of China, a good concise history of 4000 years of Chinese history
Introduction to Buddhism,
brief but useful introduction to basic concepts and beliefs
Daoism, general overview of Daoism
Beijing Opera, brief but useful introduction, with section on the "Eight Model Plays" performed during the Cultural Revolution
Chinese Pronunciation Guide , excellent audio-based guide to pronouncing Chinese syllables, based upon the Pinyin system.
CLASS HANDOUTS
History of China , chart outlining the history of China (Word.doc)
PHOTOS
Photos of China , great photos of many regions of China, including Emei-Shan, which is similar to the mountain region visited by Gao Xingjian in Soul Mountain
