This course examines the roles and status of women in Imperial China and how the Communist government manipulated those roles after 1949. Using primary and secondary materials, as well as women's cultural artifacts, we will cover topics such as footbinding and female complicity; the improvement of women's status in the late Ming dynasty and regression in the early Qing; nationalism and feminism after the turn of the century; prostitution in China; and Communism and women's roles in family and society. A textbook will be assigned in conjunction with other readings to give an overview of Chinese history throughout the period covered. Evaluation will be based on class participation, short essays, and take-home exam. No prerequisites. Enrollment limited. Group C