思考题

《中国文化概论》（英文）课程

思考题及课程论文参考题

Questions for Consideration and Paper Writing

in

Survey of Classic Chinese Culture

Chapter 1 Ancient History and Brilliant Civilization---A synopsis of 5000-year Chinese history

1. Give a brief account of the origins of Chinese ancestors based upon the latest

archaeological findings.

2.The significance of Qin Dynasty and its major measures taken for the first

empire in the history of China.

3.The defeat of Huns by Han Dynasty and its “domestic and global

consequences.

4.The Peaceful Order in Zhenguan Reign Period and worldwide

communication in Tang Dynasty.

5.Merits and demerits of civil service examination system.

mentary on the expeditionary voyages in Ming Dynasty from

1405—1433.

Chapter 2 A Glimpse of Traditional Chinese philosophies

1. A Hundred Schools in Strife and its far-ranging significance.

2.The philosophical views of Confucius and Mencius.

3.Analysis of the Wei-Jin metaphysics in a historic perspective.

4.Merits and demerits of the Learning of the Principle in Song Dynasty.

5.Can you make an analysis of why the scientific tradition in ancient China

was not passed down to the modern times?

6.How can you evaluate the Book of Change, the gem of primeval or ancient

Chinese thinking?

Chapter 3 Miraculous, Mystic and Sacred---Patriarchal Traditional Religions

1.How did Confucianism act as a religion?

2.What was the core idea of Taoism? What is the difference between

Confucianism and Taoism?

3.How did Mahayana Buddhism grow into Sinified Buddhism?

mentary on Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy.

5.Give an evaluation of Confucianist temples, Buddhist temples and Taoist

temples both in China and east Asia.

Chapter 4 Ideograph and Pictograph Rich in Senses---Chinese Language and Script in a Unique Style

1.What are the coinage methods of Chinese square characters?

2.How could Chinese square characters survive through the time-honored five

millenniums while the Egyptian hieroglyphics and Phoenician cuneiform died two or one millennium before Christ?

3.What are the features of Chinese script?

4.Summarize the features of Chinese language in making sentences.

5.Make an attempt to distinguish between Chinese language and English or

Japanese or Russian.

Chapter 5 Mighty Surges in the Flow of Literature

1.What are the general characteristics of traditional Chinese literary works

compared with the Western counterparts?

2.Make attempts to expound the far-reaching affect of the Book of Poetry and

the Chu Poetry upon the Chinese literature.

3.Endeavor to paraphrase the reasons why Tang Poetry came into flowering,

and how many poets and their leading masterpieces you can pick up to demonstrate the major genres thereof.

4.Recite your favorite Tang poems in English.

5.Distinguish between Li Bai, the Celestial Poet and Du Fu, the Saint Poet.

6.What are the major genres of Song-ci Poetry? Provide your evidence.

7.How can you appreciate San Qu, the non-dramatic songs or verses in terms

of affection and style?

8.Take an instance of A Dream of the Red Mansion or any other favorite novel

you please in making a comparative study of the features of Chinese novels and English novels.

Chapter 6 Eastern Styles of W orld Renown---Introduction to Chinese fine arts

1.Make a summary of Chinese fine arts in a historic sequence.

2.Distinguish between Chinese fine arts and European peer in view of

technique and theme?

3.Can you offer evaluating opinion for one of the favorite paintings in Chinese

history?

4.How can you illustrate “Calligraphy Elegant in Exterior and Intelligent in

Interior”?

5.Can you dig up something profound from Chinese painting and calligraphy? Chapter 7 Breathtaking Dramas on the Stage---The bustling stage in China

1.How and when did Chinese drama originate?