"Peony Pavilion"/Confucianism & Daoism
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A 4 page research paper/essay that analyzes The Peony Pavilion, a 400-year-old masterpiece in the style of Chinese Kunju opera, China's oldest surviving theatrical style. Written in the late sixteenth century by Tang Xianzu (1550-1617), this work demonstrates how both Confucianism and Daoism had become intertwined in the fabric of Chinese culture. The writer discusses how the focus on issues of respect and ritual derive directly from Confucianism. Such issues are extremely significant to the male characters. The women in the opera, however, express a more Daoist view of life. Examination of this work demonstrates that both philosophies co-existed in sixteenth century Chinese culture. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: khppcd.rtf

"Shogun" The Miniseries: Cultural Significance
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5 pages in length. The cultural significance of the miniseries "Shogun" as it relates to this particular period in Japanese history addresses two of the most defining elements of one's existence: power and pride. Clearly, the manner by which Richard Chamberlain's character – John Blackthorne – is involuntarily thrust into the middle of an impassioned battle between two mighty opponents demonstrates just how important omnipotent power was during feudal Japan. No additional sources cited.
Filename: TLCshogn.doc

"Silk Roads or Steppe Roads? The Silk Roads in World History": A Review of the Article by David Christian
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A 5 page discussion presenting the contention that silk roads must be thought of in broader terms for world history, not only as a "trans-civilizational route, but also as a trans-ecological route. Christian presents a series of observations supporting that contention. Many factors combined, in fact, to speed the ecological impacts which would occur as a result of the silk road commerce. These factors would include the direct impact of the roads themselves on the environment as well as indirect impacts such as the agricultural, hunting, mining, and other pursuits which the roads encouraged. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: PPslkRd.wps

"Sorrow Of War," "Perfume Dreams" And "In Country" - Review
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12 pages in length. Ninh's The Sorrow of War, Lam's Perfume Dreams and Mason's In Country are drawn together by the single thread of war, yet their unique perspectives take readers on three distinct journeys that cultivate entirely distinctive impressions. For a war whose perspective is typically that of a national component, the extent to which each of these three stories provides an unadulterated view of how the war impact one individual at a time serve to humanize the experience quite a bit more. No additional sources cited.
Filename: TLCIndochBkRv.rtf

"The Colors of the Mountain"
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A 4 page paper which provides a book review of "The Colors of the Mountain" by Da Chen. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAclrda.rtf