Research Essay: Portrayal of China in Western Media

COM304 Wk2: Tutorial Eight Centuries: A Timeline of Western Contact with China

COM304 Portrayal of China in Western Media

Wk2: Eight Centuries: A Timeline of Western Contact with China

Readings Exercise: Discussion Points for Tutorial Reading 1: Martinez-Robles (2008).

1. What does Martinez-Robles mean by the terms “sinophilia” and “sinophobia”?

2. Martinez-Robles discusses changing attitudes towards China across nearly eight centuries (13th Century – Present Day).

• How many distinct time periods can you identify in this article? • What are the key factors discussed by Martinez-Robles affecting attitudes

towards China in each of these time periods?

3. What does Martinez-Robles mean by a “historical paradigm”? How is this concept related to “Orientalism”?

4. “Orientalist cliches and stereotypes are present in almost every activity connected to Chinese culture, from cinema festivals to academic conferences, or popular celebrations and exhibitions by prestigious museums. The imperialist and Orientalising perspective, although very often explicitly rejected, is repeatedly seen implicitly in the majority of these activities.” Martinez Robles (2008, p15)

Can you think of any “positive” portrayals of China that are, nevertheless, still the result of orientalist thinking? Think of at least one example for our class discussion.

Reading 2: Spence discusses how he will use “sightings” of China, from Marco Polo to 20th century novelists, in the introduction to his book “The Chan’s Great Continent”.

• What does Spence mean by “sightings”? • Consider how these “sightings” may have contributed to the

reproduction and transformation of orientalist thinking (either individually, or collectively).

Students MUST complete the readings and consider these questions prior to attending Tutorial. These questions are not tests, but aimed at helping you to critically explore the course content. The exercises are not optional, and students who consistently fail to complete may be asked to leave Tutorial.