Abstract This paper is book review of "Life and Death in Shanghai", the autobiography by Nien Cheng. It covers her life from 1966 to 1980. The paper looks at the author's life in Communist China before and after the cultural revolution and her imprisonment by the authorities.
From the Paper "While the United States may be one of the youngest nations and cultures in the world and sometimes derided for its political pendulum swings China is definitely one of the oldest ..."
Tags: Shanghai, China, Cultural Revolution, Nien Cheng, autobiography
Abstract This paper examines psychological theory on the development of inferential reasoning skills. The pragmatic view and the natural logic view are discussed. The work of Shaw-Jing and Cheng as well as the work of Braine are presented.
From the Paper "The Development of deductive reasoning skills has been of interest to psychologists since the 1960s. There are two contrasting views on the development of reasoning skills. The first is the pragmatic view, which proposes that pragmatic rules develop first and that these then generalize and develop into formal rules. The natural logic view is that a set of formal rules develops first and that pragmatic rules follow. Many studies prior to the one conducted by Shaw-Jing and Cheng attempted to explain the development of logic using one of these two models."
Abstract This is a report on Wu Cheng En's "Monkey: Folk Novel" of China and how it portrays Chinese religious traditions. Specifically, the report describes how Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are reflected in the novel and Chinese life at the time the book was written (between 1350 and 1425 AD). The paper concludes that all three of these religions have contributed to China's religious and cultural life.
Abstract This paper looks at how the story of Monkey, or Sun Wukung, and his journey west has fascinated and delighted readers for hundreds of years. "The Journey to the West" was compiled and polished by Wu Cheng'en in the 16th century, but the legend existed long before that and is based on the true story of Xuan Zang (602-664), a Buddhist monk and his journey to India in search of sutras. In particular, it focuses on the character of Monkey, who is born from a rock, and eventually makes trouble for the Gods. It analyzes how the character and spirit of Monkey is extremely free and unrestrained, playful, and impetuous, and how the story of Monkey parallels the growth of man and the growth of a religion at the same time.
From the Paper "Monkey is a simple creature really (Hanabakate, 2003). The fact that he is seemingly unaffected by the little annoyances that the world offers up seems, however, too good to be true (Hanabakate, 2003). Later he goes on to say that he has no last name (Hanabakate, 2003). Lai (1994) points out: "Monkey's first answer makes him seem a nitwit: that monkey of a description of himself is his being himself. But when he further clarifies the situation with his second answer, he truly shows his "naturalness." He is, to use an American expression that the Taoists would applaud, "a natural." This child of nature is as nameless as nature itself"."
This paper compares the novel, "Monkey" by Cheng'en, a classic Chinese mythological novel first written in the 16th century, and the novel, "Candide" by Voltaire, a satirical European novel written in the 18th century.
Abstract This paper discusses that the first major similarity involves the qualities of the two main characters, Monkey and Candide, who both are rebelling from the general beliefs and rules of society. The author points out that another similarity for the two main characters is their physical journey, which represents a journey to enlightenment. The paper relates that the final major similarity in the two works is that they both make significant use of humor because the books are dealing with complex and serious issues including philosophy, suffering, and religion.
From the Paper "The seriousness of these issues makes writing about them a difficult process and one that could easily result in a book that is difficult for the reader to enjoy. In both cases, the author has chosen humor as a means of ensuring that the books remain accessible and enjoyable, even with the tough issues they deal with. In Candide, examples of suffering are used throughout to present the real problems of the world. On his travels Candide sees people being burned to death to prevent earthquakes, sees people dying in a war over a worthless piece of land, and sees a Pope acting in ways no better than common people. Without the satire and humor Voltaire incorporates into the work, the suffering depicted would be overwhelming and the book would be difficult to enjoy."
Abstract This paper discusses the idea of the envelope of architecture, a boundary between the public sphere and the private sphere, and how this is less and less a boundary and more a porous enclosure. This concept is discussed according to the views of Tschumi and Cheng, in the text edited by them.
From the Paper "An interesting aspect of the theoretical elements found in the text edited by Tschumi and Cheng (2003) is made explicit by Colomina (2003), who writes, "The line between public and private no longer coincides with the outer limit of a building" (p. 68). This comment is reflected in different ways in other essays in the text, and it also helps explain some of the direction of architecture today and also traces back to earlier times when clearly the separation between public and private was much more rigid. Colomina also states that architecture always followed medicine, which is why the envelope of architecture corresponds more to the human body than to functional programs. However, Colomina also says that it might be that "the envelope is longer to be found on the outside but has coiled itself up within an imaginary body" (p. 68)."
Abstract This paper discusses the 1994 Chinese film "Farewell My Concubine", which is set against a violent background of political upheavals. Beginning during China's warlord era of the 1920s, the film spans 50 years, and includes the Japanese occupation and the Cultural Revolution. In particular, the paper argues that despite its background, the central theme of the film is the love affair between the two central male characters, Duan Xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi.
From the Paper "It might be argued that the film is not so much about a love story as about Chinese history. After all, the film is one of the first to be bold enough to expose the "Cultural Revolution" for the fascist rampage that it really was. It also gives insight into what it was like to be an ordinary citizen during the most important historical event of the era - the establishment of the Peoples' Republic of China by Mao Zedong and his Chinese Communist Party in 1949. The film is certainly flooded with politics and traumatic events such as the Japanese occupation, and all of these events have a profound impact on the lives of the characters. However, it is argued that to the viewer the political details are much less important than the love story that takes centre stage."
A discussion and review of the impact of capitalism on adult education as discussed in Cheng Kai-Ming's article, "From Training to Education: Lifelong Learning in China."
Abstract This paper examines how capitalism - or any economic system -intersects with adult education. |The paper specifically discusses the impact of capitalism on adult education activities and how a more educated society can positively impact the economy. The paper focuses on the views of Cheng Kai-Ming in his article, "From Training to Education: Lifelong Learning in China."
Table of Contents:
How does Capitalism--or any Economic System--Intersect with Adult Education?
What Views about the Impact of Capitalism on Adult Education Activities are Represented in the Article?
From the Paper "It should also be pointed out that these changes are not easy to accept. Mai-King points out," it is interesting to observe the role of culture in the process of change" (Mai-King). Mai-King notes that there can be no doubt about the significance of culture and its positive reinforcement regarding the value of education. In addition, the Chinese are not generally noted for their lack of motivation or desire to learn. These changes, in Mai-King's opinion do not "always reassure the traditional values of culture" (Mai-King). While adult education has made a positive stride over the past decades, the changes do not come easily. Individuals that seek more from an education also seek more from a society as well. This new attitude drives a wedge between old traditions and new philosophies. Mai-King states, "There is a clear deviation from the traditional aims of education for social mobility or collective objectives. Education is acquiring a new meaning" (Mai-King). In short, adult education has caused a shift in society that makes it "an essential vehicle for proactively adapting the workforce for rapid changes in the economy" (Mai-King). All in all, adult education is a good thing but it might take a while for the old ways to catch up with the new. One thing is certain - once the forward step is made, it is almost impossible to go back."
From the Paper "During the period 1405-1433, the Ming Dynasty eunuch Cheng Ho led seven imperial Chinese naval expeditions throughout Southeast Asia. The voyages served primarily as diplomatic and exploratory missions, in the course of which numerous exotic objects, personnel, and animals were brought back to the court of Emperor Yung-lo. After Yung-lo's death, his son Zhu Gaozhi succeeded to the throne and put an end to the expeditions. This action was precipitated by several factors: the rivalry between civil officials and eunuchs in the imperial administration, the immense financial cost of the voyages, and the Confucian ideals that were the official doctrine of the Ming Dynasty.
Cheng Ho's seven voyages are historically important because they represent one of China's greatest periods of expansion and exploration, and beginning with their termination, China's period of .."
Abstract The paper offers an intimate glimpse of racism and its impact on the individuals who are adversely affected, by sharing the experiences of Maria Cheng, a 24-year-old second-generation Chinese, born and raised in California.
From the Paper "With their distinctive physical features that distinguish them from other racial groups in American society, Chinese Americans have faced racism throughout the history of their existence in America. During late 19th century, laws were passed that barred Chinese immigration and forbade Chinese from testifying in federal courts against white men (Fung 37). Although Chinese Americans no longer face the same kind of prejudice and have made great strides in establishing themselves in American society, they still suffer from discrimination today."
This paper looks at the concept of truth in three books - "Life and Death in Shanghai" by Nien Cheng, "Atonement" by Ian McEwan and "The Violent Bear it Away" by Flannery O?Connor.
Abstract This paper analyzes how the three books demonstrate the significance of truth in one's life and how big a priority it is or isn?t. The paper questions the balance between truth and lies and good and evil and examines the story lines of these three novels in order to establish the importance of this topic.
From the Paper ""Life and Death in Shanghai" by Nien Cheng is a true account of how Nien Cheng's life was persecuted and imprisoned during the time of Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution in China. (1966-1976). During this time, Nien Cheng became a victim of the revolution. Her home was looted by the Red Guards and she was imprisoned and falsely accused of espionage. During her imprisonment, she was excessively tortured so that she would confess to crimes she had not committed. The book highlights how despite so much torture, Nien Cheng refused to confess and was kept in solitary confinement for over six years. Her health deteriorated and she suffered through tremendous anxiety on account of worrying over the fate of her only child Meiping. "
Abstract The first, and perhaps most important, observation that can be made about the novel "The Journey to the West", attributed usually to Wu Cheng'en (c. 1500s), is that it is fun to read. Any discussion of the treatment of mythology in this novel must confront the fact of its irreverence for religion, be it Buddhism or Taoism. This essay will argue that it is this irreverence - personified in the very human character of Monkey (Monkey King/Great Sage) - that renders this comic novel a classic of Chinese literature. Monkey is a "human" character with human drives and flaws attempting to find a place for himself in a world of immortals and magic. The mythology of the comic novel is thus simply a "backdrop" for this theme of man struggling to find meaning in the world.
Abstract This paper begins by briefly summarizing the 16th century legend about a Buddhist monk and his journey to India. The paper then goes on to analyze the character, spirit, and flaws of Monkey, the main character in the story.
From the Paper "The story of Monkey, his myth, parallels the growth of man and the growth of a religion at the same time (Hanabakate, 2003). Monkey is born from a rock and becomes par with the gods (Hanabakate, 2003). The beginning of his life is filled with one act of defiance after another as he fights his way to the top (Hanabakate, 2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses the environmental problems of the world, including world hunger and disease, lack of democracy, overpopulation, resource depletion and the destruction of habitat and species. It looks at the ways that people are contributing to these problems and briefly discusses the political aspect of the overwhelming planetary problems. The paper also looks at the role of media in these problems.
Table of Contents:
Deep Ecology
Social Ecology / Murray Bookchin
Barry Commoner, Michael Coor, And Paul J. Stamler
Ching Lai Cheng UN Compact & Human Rights In Depth
From the Paper "Ching talks on page 328 about a very important point brought up in this class and that is "over-advertising" (which supposedly stimulates the "consumption of goods"), which in this paper I will call "manipulative" advertising, in solidarity with the instructor. The lies, distortions, and basic con jobs that are part of today's television, movie, magazine and Internet advertising campaigns should be attacked with logic and facts by legislators and other leaders. Much of the advertising on television today is morally disgusting; but while there is no way to really stop it, people in positions of influence should condemn it. The materialistic attitudes in America, unfortunately, are here to stay. But educating young people in schools, churches, and other social venues is more and more necessary. Many millions of young people today are addicted to electronic games (X-Boxes, Nintendo, etc), cell phones, text messaging, emails, movies and other technologies. While they are certainly influenced by advertising perhaps more than any previous generation, at the same time they seem to have more autonomy from their parents than any previous generation as well. Rather than legislate what advertising should be acceptable for the mass marketing of goods and technologies, leaders should encourage parents to teach their children about the natural world, and share values with them that transcend their immediate desire for fun and games."
