Read following books.
Gernet, J. 1962[1959]. Daily Life in China: 1250-1276. Stanford.
Smith, A. H. 1894. Chinese Characteristics. Revell
Rice, E. E. 1974. Mao’s Way. California.
Said, Edward. 1978 Orientalism

Questions for the essay.
To what extent can one argue that Smith’s portrait of Chinese characteristics are “Chinese”? Or it is fair to say that they are better viewed as non-Western or non-modern traits of customs or habits? In other words, what is the Chineseness of those customs and habits? Have they changed? If so, in what aspects? Or what has been persisting in the so- called Chinese “culture”?

*** At least 7 citations from the reading list are required. ***