Seeking Modernity in China's Name: Chinese Students in the United States, 1900-1927

Book Description
The students who came to the United States in the early twentieth century to become modern Chinese by studying at American universities played pivotal roles in Chinese intellectual, economic, and diplomatic life upon their return to China. These former students exemplified key aspects of Chinese "modernity," introducing new social customs, new kinds of interpersonal relationships, new ways of associating in groups, and a new way of life in general. Although there have been books about a few especially well-known persons among them, this is the first book in either English or Chinese to study the group as a whole. The collapse of the traditional examination system and the need to earn a living outside the bureaucracy meant that although this was not the first generation of Chinese to break with traditional ways of thinking, these students were the first generation of Chinese to live differently. Based on student publications, memoirs, and other writings found in this country and in China, the author describes their multifaceted experience of life in a foreign, modern environment, involving student associations, professional activities, racial discrimination, new forms of recreation and cultural expression, and, in the case of women students, the unique challenges they faced as females in two changing societies.

About the Author
Weili Ye is Assistant Professor in the Department of History and the Women's Studies Program at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.


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The Chinese students who came to the States in the early 20th century coped with their culture shock in various ways, described in this work by Ye (history, women's studies, U. of Massachusetts, Boston). Based on Ye's research through interviews and in archives, the following topics are explored: the development of Chinese student alliances and their initial support of ideas of self-government and political participation, the development of the students' professional lives, formation of professional organizations, the students' notion of race and attitudes towards Chinese immigrants, the question of female Chinese students and their experience in American culture, the students' emotional world, and their recreational outlets. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


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