Chinese culture project

[Shea_in_China]

I am a student studying chinese in China. This year I have to do a 6000 word research project on something in chinese culutre. I have also to use primarily chinese oral and written sources. Anyone have any good ideas? The topic obviously has to have some contemporary slant to it.

[Lu]

Do you like music, gardens, architecture, politics, literature? Write about that. Do you have a Chinese friend with an interesting hobby, or an interesting background? Went on a trip and saw something that struck your fancy? Best pick something you're interested in, and that is close to yourself. Unless it's something that is completely historical, like a Tang general or something, it will probably have some contemporary slant somewhere, if only the question if it's still there, and what is done with it, and what are its chances of survival in the future.

Good luck!

[gato]

Have you heard of 坐月子?

[muyongshi]

Are trying to make trouble gato or is that an honest suggestion

[shanghaikai]

LOL, gato just made my day!

[jonaspony]

mine too.... you're all too beautiful

[roddy]

So Shea, how's the project going?

[Shea_in_China]

Erm thanks everyone. I have looked over the suggestions but am beginning to think about something I am quite passionate about. I was thinking of doing a project on attitudes to the enviornment future and past. I also study classical chinese (of which there are a good few stories of a nature nature). I might do a comparison also between those living in the country and those who live in the cities.

I think it would be interesting as I see plenty of people who litter etc so I would like to see what such people would say when quizzed about the enviornment. I have a year to write the project. My proposal is due next Monday, I must also find a few chinese and english language sources.

[Lu]

Sounds good! Always best to find something you are interested in, or even better, passionate about.

Good luck with the proposal, and the writing.

[simonlaing]

I think the Environmental topic could be a good one.

Here in Nanjing, Many of the old large trees were cut down to make wide roads. There are a few trees left but people are very sensitive about it.

I think if you can interview some people in high pollution industries about how they feel as well. Chemicals, Steel, Leather, metals etc. Asking them if they would be in favor of restrictions on pollution if they could affect their job or even cause them to lose their job would be interesting.

Also asking them their opinions on Air pollution could be interesting and contrasting with their desires for cars which seems universal here.

Good topic, post your paper after you are done.

have fun,

SimoN:)

[shanghaikai]

What Shea mentioned about littering, I could think of quite a few different topics that branches out of such an act. There's definitely the environmental avenue but also the social norms, habits, and attitudes avenue. It isn't just about the environment but also about how people perceive shared public spaces. Then you can go into economic and social theory, how communism and capitalism or emphases on individualsm vs. community may influence such indivdual human behaviors.

[imron]

Admins: Given your previous "warnings," I suggest that you guys split this thread if you find that the natural course of this discussion violates your rules on staying on-topic.

Done. Posts not related to Shea's Chinese culture project have been moved here. That thread has also been closed. If you really wish to discuss those things further, feel free to take it to email or PM.