This class deals with a series of topics of anthropological relevance: persons, genders and families, rural communities, urban communities, migration and the city, class and consumption, nation and world. It approaches many of these topics from the vantage point of young adults, their families, careers, and life choices. It is mostly about contemporary society and culture, but pays some attention to historical background. It deals with Han Chinese culture only; I teach another course; ANTH/JSIS A 470, for those interested in minority peoples of China.

There are five assigned essay topics, of which students will be required to write on three. Each topic will be posted on the first day of the unit to which it pertains, and due a few days after the end of that unit. All essays should be submitted to the instructor electronically by 5:00 p.m. on the day they are due. Class readings are from the required texts at the University Bookstore, and from some articles available on the internet, either through direct links or on e-reserve.