Bridging the Sino-American Divide: American Studies with Chinese Characteristics

Product DescriptionWithin China, the discipline of American Studies spans a wide variety of concerns and preoccupations, reflecting its practical diversity in a transnational setting. Essays in this volume by close to forty scholars, the majority most of them based in mainland China, reflect on the past history and current teaching of American Studies within China, placing these in comparative perspectives. The nature of globalization, the transmission of ideas and practices across cultural boundaries, the formulation and meaning of identity in cross-national communications, constitute major themes in contemporary American Studies in China. For officials and commentators alike, the past, present, and future state of Sino-American relations are also an overriding preoccupation of China s America-watchers. Overall, this collection allows the reader to sample and appreciate the state of the field of American Studies in today s China. 'Bridging the Sino-American Divide is a welcome contribution to transnational American Studies. New scholarship in the book explores popular culture, feminism, literature, history, politics, diplomacy, foreign relations, trade, consumer culture, immigration, tourism, national values, globalization and other topics in comparative perspective. The rich smorgasbord of essays also surveys the development of American Studies in China, and provides institutional histories and pedagogical models, paying particular attention to cultural differences, and to the challenges facing Chinese Americanists in the 21st century. The result is a fascinating volume that will be of interest to scholars in a broad range of fields.' Shelley Fisher Fishkin, Stanford University, Past-President of the American Studies Association 'This essential and unique volume--by gathering a group of top scholars and leading practitioners from China and the United States--reviews critically the status of American Studies in China, highlights the political, social and cultural forces shaping Chinese perceptions of America, and examines the opportunities and challenges facing US-China relations. By putting together this important book, Priscilla Roberts has made a major contribution--one that is with no parallel in the existing scholarship--to the fields of American Studies and US-China relations. It is highly revealing, and highly recommended.' Chen Jian, Michael J. Zak Professor of History for US-China Relations, Cornell UniversityReviewBridging the Sino-American Divide is a welcome contribution to transnational American Studies. New scholarship in the book explores popular culture, feminism, literature, history, politics, diplomacy, foreign relations, trade, consumer culture, immigration, tourism, national values, globalization and other topics in comparative perspective. The rich smorgasbord of essays also surveys the development of American Studies in China, and provides institutional histories and pedagogical models, paying particular attention to cultural differences, and to the challenges facing Chinese Americanists in the 21st century. The result is a fascinating volume that will be of interest to scholars in a broad range of fields. Shelley Fisher Fishkin, Stanford University, Past-President of the American Studies Association This essential and unique volume--by gathering a group of top scholars and leading practitioners from China and the United States--reviews critically the status of American Studies in China, highlights the political, social and cultural forces shaping Chinese perceptions of America, and examines the opportunities and challenges facing US-China relations. By putting together this important book, Priscilla Roberts has made a major contribution--one that is with no parallel in the existing scholarship --to the fields of American Studies and US-China relations. It is highly revealing, and highly recommended. - Chen Jian, Michael J. Zak Professor of History for US-China Relations, Cornell UniversityAb