Literature and Society

Literature and Society, a textbook designed for upper-level students, usually in their fourth year of studying Chinese, contains literary works and essays related to the social sciences. It reflects the social issues China has faced in recent years and represents a new approach to introducing students to various aspects of Chinese society. The textbook contains two sections. The first, entitled "Literature," includes works by Lu Xun, Lin Yutang, Liang Shiqiu, Wang Li, Xie Bingying, and Wang Meng. The selections include essays, short stories, and one play. Each selection reflects a different side of Chinese life, from offering hospitality to guests and haggling over prices to philosophical issues. The second section of the textbook, entitled "Society," includes essays by Fei Xiaotong, Ma Yinchu, Wu Han, Liang Sicheng, and Chen Hengzhe. These works cover six issues: marriage and family, population and ethics, urbanization, intellectuals, minorities, and the preservation of ancient architecture in a modern city. The textbook provides a brief introduction to each author and discussion questions at the end of each piece.