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Reflection Course Learning

The course readings for this semester have exposed me to new knowledge of Chinese

culture and history. The exposure has enabled me to gain new knowledge and perspectives on

Chinese history and the evolution of Chinese culture to its present state. For instance, the course

has exposed me to new knowledge on social rituals in Chinese culture, sources of traditions in

China, and the role of poems in Chinese culture. 

Rituals have powerful influences in molding behaviors. Rulers that restrain themselves

and return to rituals in China are admired by members of the society. Social rituals mold

interpersonal relationships thereby improving interactions between members of the society

(Granet). The late Zhou compiled many rules to guide interactions between gentlemen and

members of different social statuses and ranks in society. For instance, Zhou wrote that there are

specific ceremonies for gentlemen to guide interactions between themselves and with rulers. 

Zhou indicates that a person addressing a ruler should compose himself and strictly talk

about official business. When talking with older men, one should talk about control of their

children and talk about loyalty and geniality when talking with the common man. The rules also

indicate that individuals should look directly in the face of officials when beginning to talk with

them. Granet indicate that the focus should then be on the breast and face in the middle and end
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of the interview, respectively. The above order applies to all interactions involving officials. It

cannot be changed. Individuals are allowed to break the order when talking to their fathers.

However, the eyes are not allowed to wander "lower than the girdle" and "higher than the face."

When invited to a feast by a ruler, the guests must taste all the foods served after the ruler has

made an offering. If there is a person designated to taste the food, then the ruler eats first before

his guest. If the ruler is gracious to give the guest a cup of wine, the guest stands and kowtows

twice before receiving the cup. The guest then has to wait for the ruler to finish his wine before

handing him an empty cup (Granet).. When leaving, the guest should also tell the ruler not to

stand "but your servant does not presume honor." 

Exposure to the knowledge of social rituals exposed me to a new world of social

interaction. In this new world, everyone was accorded respect irrespective of their social status.

The reading on social rituals has shed crucial insights on the rich Chinese history of social

structure and interactions. Modern social interactions have become more westernized ignoring

the crucial rules of engagement that defined our beautiful culture. I feel challenged and wish to

apply some of these social rituals in my everyday life. 

Poems also reveal vital insights into Chinese history. Poems were unique literary works

of art that reflected the everyday solutions that led to their composition. The composition of the

poems paid crucial attention to the surroundings and the way of life that was evidenced by the

surroundings. For instance, when the visitor found the host absent in his home, the visitor wrote

a "sorry to have missed you" poem that considers the scene of the dwelling and places the

character in the observed scene (Owen 372). Apart from visits, poems were also used at parties.

Parties provided the perfect conditions for composing poems. Poems composed to capture

parting experiences highlighted the nature of interactions between the composer and the target
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audience. The poems also highlight political engagements like gu-Feng (old-manner) and

cultural elements like Daoist motifs. Besides, poets also wrote poems on history commonly

referred to as yong-shi shi. These poems evoked moments in the past and aided moral

judgments. 

Moreover, the readings provide new knowledge on the sources of Chinese traditions.

Every culture has some classics in its history that help to shape the culture and its traditions in

the future. Classics such as Shujing (Classic of History), Classic of Odes, and the Rites give

insights into the origin of vital Chinese traditions. For instance, the Classic of Odes includes

poems and folk songs that date back to the early Zhou times. The Rite has a collection of some of

the most famous songs from ancient times (Granet). On the other hand, the Shujing has

numerous oral reports, speeches, counsels, and announcements of some of the most famous

rulers during the early Zhao period and the Shun and Yao periods. These collections provide

vital insights into the origin of Chinese traditions by providing literature of the earliest Chinese

people. Understanding ancient literature aids its preservation. Modern Chinese that understands

ancient literature serve as guardians and transmitters of the vital Chinese traditions and customs. 

The new knowledge has enhanced my understanding of Chinese culture and the origin of

some of the unique cultural traditions. The understanding has opened a new world of interpreting

my motherland and its evolution to its current form. The new perspectives have also challenged

me to find my identity as a Chinese and also be an ambassador of our culture. 

Reflection on roles of State, educational system, and the media in shaping

knowledge and perception of Chinese history and humanities

The educational system and the media are crucial in shaping knowledge and perception

about a particular culture. In China, the media and the education system have helped to highlight

the good things that have happened in the nation's history to shape the current and future

generations. Chinese history is full of many unique inventions and artifacts like bronze and silver

wares that tell stories of the rich history. Most of these historical tools were destroyed during the

world war. Things in China started getting worse after the Second World War. Some of the

notable events after World War II in China include the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution, the 1989

Hongkong problem, and the 2020S Xingjiang problem. These events have redefined the way

China is governed today. The government has moved to gag some of the media freedom and

human rights to create a peaceful nation. The government controls the internet and the media to

control the state and its people. In return, the Chinese live in a peaceful world by giving up some

of their rights and privacy. The state's control of the media and the educational system had

redefined Chinese history and put the country on a greater path to succeed on one front.

President Xi Jin Ping is changing Chinese history and making the country a globally dominant

power. 

Reflection on Experience of Engaging in Discussions

Each member gave a presentation and listened to others' presentations during the

discussion. During the interaction, I did not encounter a presentation that had a view or argument

different from my initial thoughts. However, I was convinced by the presenters and was inspired

by the different genres and topics they handled, including feminism in Chinese history. Other

topics the presenters tackled included sang xing dui and new TV shows that explored the power
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of China's cultural confidence. Topics like feminism in China are interesting for someone that

want to understand the role of women in Chinese history. 

On top of that, culture has always been an important factor in Chinese history. Studying

how newer TV shows are showing the power of China's cultural confidence gives vital insights

into how China is using its culture to shape its future. I appreciate such presents because I hold

culture dearly. Most of the most successful countries in the world are those that have been to

preserve their cultures and incorporate them into social life. I have high hopes that China's

cultural confidence will be key for its success in the long run. 

Part Relevant to Understanding China and the World around us

I feel that the readings on the history of modern China are vital to understanding China

and the world. The readings also indicate that China has undergone numerous transformations to

its current state. Learning about the historical transformations has helped me to identify with the

history of my country. Observing China and its growth over the years gives a glimpse of the

influence of culture in the growth of cities (Wasserstrom 302). Unlike other countries, the

Chinese have always lauded their history and used it as a foundation for building their country.

For instance, the government uses history to assess its legitimacy. Studying history and the

evolution of a country like China gives crucial insights into the world around us.  
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Works Cited

Granet, Marcel. Chinese civilization. Routledge, 2013.

Owen, Stephen, ed. An anthology of Chinese literature: beginnings to 1911. New York: WW

Norton (1996): 371-384

Wasserstrom, Jeffrey N., ed. The Oxford illustrated history of modern China. Oxford University

Press (2016): 301-318