Chinese Popular Culture

This course takes a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary look at contemporary popular culture in China. Our mission is to not only gain a better understanding of life and culture in China, but to experience it as well. In addition to studying an array of popular and academic sources, students will have the opportunity to witness the themes of the class first hand, in authentic cultural settings through various field trips. We will explore food culture, sports culture, trends in music, cultures of expression in physical and digital spaces, perspectives on celebrity and fandom in China, as well as the social factors surrounding new developments in dating culture. Additionally, where applicable, the class will examine what it means to be part of a sub-culture in China today. Though the spectrum of subject matter is vast, classroom activities will be in-depth, and all topics covered have been meticulously chosen for relevance to the Shanghai/Chinese experience, so that students will leave each meeting better equipped to understand the people and society around them.