Date of Graduation
1996
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the content presented in the Chinese culture courses offered in the colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. The scope of study was the 83 colleges and universities that have Chinese programs. A questionnaire was created as the tool to solicit information. Before the questionnaire was finally revised, a jury of experts was chosen and their opinions and suggestions were taken to improve the questionnaire. Then, a pilot study was conducted with the refined questionnaire sent to 14 ESOL teachers of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The feedback of these teachers was used to improve the questionnaire before it was officially sent. After the questionnaire was sent to the instructors of Chinese culture courses in November, 1995, follow-up postcards were sent to increase the respondents. A total of 33 responses was received and used in data analysis. It appears that the current content of Chinese culture courses has focused on traditional China and current China, but emphasized traditional China more than any other periods in Chinese history. Among the major issues, ideological changes in China and economic changes, Western influences on Chinese culture and Chinese current events received great interest. The common themes in the Chinese culture courses were Chinese history, literature and philosophy, knowledge of traditional Chinese society, and knowledge of modern China. The instructors were trained and prepared in various ways. Textbooks, videos and films were the most popular materials employed in teaching. Possible interpretations for the results are presented in the discussion chapter. China's long classical tradition, the ideological antagonism, the political atmosphere, the cutoff of China for many years, and the availability of teaching materials were considered as major factors influencing the current contents of Chinese culture courses. Recommendations were made and a model provided to improve the teaching of Chinese culture.
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Zi-qiao, "An assessment of Chinese culture courses in the colleges and universities of the United States and Canada." (1996). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10102.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10102