CAPS 3352

Getting Rich in Modern China

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2021-2022.

People outside China often talk about "China's rise", the changes in world economics and politics that come from the increase of the power of the People's Republic. From a domestic perspective, though, China's rise represents a promise to regular people that they will lead richer lives, both literally and figuratively. This course will examine the nature and history of that promise as it is experienced through literature, film, and other cultural texts. Why and how do PRC citizens want to get rich, and what happens when they don't? How does economic class shape identity in contemporary China? Can parts of the population be happy outside of the pursuit of material wealth? All texts in the course will be available in English, and most primary texts will be available in Chinese; writing assignments will be submitted in English.

When Offered Fall.

Breadth Requirement (GB)
Distribution Category (LA-AS, ALC-AS, SCD-AS)

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