Introduction to Chinese Culture through the Family

Howard Giskin is Associate Professor of English at Appalachian State University and the editor of Chinese Folktales. Bettye S. Walsh is Professor of English at Piedmont Virginia Community College.

"I like the rich diversity of important and well-written essays thematically woven around the 'root metaphor' of jia, the Chinese family. The topic of family is perennially important and is currently one of the central issues in social, moral, and political discussions. Many are turning to the notion of the family as the bedrock model for all human relationships and institutions. Chinese culture and 'things Chinese' are often viewed with puzzlement and a sense of confusion. By way of contrast this book takes the readers into the heart of Chinese culture and opens it up in ways easy to understand, yet shows, to both the novice and the scholar, the subtle interconnectedness of Chinese culture and life. This is a valuable work in Chinese studies." — Keith W. Krasemann, author of Questions for the Soul: An Introduction to Philosophy

• List of Illustrations Acknowledgments Preface IntroductionRoger T. Ames 1 Written and Spoken Chinese: Expression of Culture and HeritageLinda S. Pickle 2 Meeting Chinese PhilosophyVance Cope-Kasten 3 The Role of the Visual Arts in Confucian SocietyLawrence E. Butler 4 Women and GenderMary Gallagher 5 Chinese Music and the FamilyKathleen M. Higgins 6 Chinese Folktales and the FamilyHoward Giskin 7 Chinese Literature in the Confucian and Modern TraditionsFay Beauchamp 8 Jia *, Family, * and the Chinese HouseJudy Schaaf 9 Family in the Seventh Art – Modern Chinese Film: An Analysis of Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern, and To LiveBettye S. Walsh Selected Annotated ReadingsChinese DynastiesPronunciation SuggestionsNotes on ContributorsIndex