A Multi-perspective Investigation Into The American Study Of Intellectual History In Sung China

The American study of intellectual history in Sung China is an up-and-coming subject in the field of American Chinese studies, whose evolution from the branch to mainstream reveals the reference and co-promotion between Sinology and Chinese Studies in thoughts, models and methods, thus indicating the tendency of the internationalization of world academy. By means of analyzing the reason, variation and theme of the American study of intellectual history in Sung, this dissertation intends to display the influence of trends of thought, society and academy on the American study of intellectual history in Sung, from which, a study of the substance and significance of Sinology will be achieved.This paper consists of seven chapters. Chapter1is an introduction, in which the previous study both home and abroad will be discussed, research methods and contents will be introduced, and the choice of terms and materials will be explained. Chapter2begins with the introduction of the background of the development of American Chinese Studies. It further analyzes the variation of trends of thoughts and academic methods. At last, it offers a full-length introduction to the preparation of the development of American study of intellectual history in Sung. Chapter3analyzes the literature and divides the development into three stages-the beginning period, submitting to the mainstream methods, and melting into the way of co-development with other study fields in American academy. The contents and features will be discussed in this chapter. Chapter4to Chapter6is case study. Chapter4discusses the development of the study of Chu Hsi in different stages; Chapter5discusses around the debate of Neo-Confucianism, in order to show how the American scholars enlarge their study scope; Chapter6introduces the study of elites, from which the American scholars study under the hypothesis of "Tang-Sung Transition" will be discussed. Chapter7is the conclusion, which analyzes the merits, defects and revelations of the American study of intellectual history in Sung, and advocates an attitude of "Dialogue" before the melting of different cultures, thus obtaining the everlasting advancement in academy, thought and culture.