Children at Play in China: The Trifling, the Wicked, and the Sacred

Much of our contemporary western culture conceives of play as joyful and delightfully purposeless, as belonging to the world of an idyllic childhood. But in many other times and cultures, play has been much more broadly and richly conceived. This talk will examine changing views of children and children at play through a study of Chinese religious and philosophical classics and commentaries on these works, as well as Chinese paintings, children’s literature, and playthings.

Pauline C. Lee is an assistant professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and the Program in Religious Studies. Her research interests are in the areas of Chinese thought, Confucianism, comparative ethics, feminism, space and place, children’s studies and play.

This event is free and open to the public; classes are also welcome. A reception will follow. Sponsored by the Center for the Humanities.