Scope and Contents
The papers include correspondence, writings, and photographs relating to the life and career of Sophia Tierong Zhu. Autobiographical writings about Zhu and her husband, Zhang Ifan, who were both victims of anti-rightist movements in China, comprise a substantive part of the papers. The collection also documents Zhu's close relationship with many English Language Instructors from Yale University.
In 1946, she traveled with her husband Zhang Ifan to the United States to study at Yale University, where Sophia obtained an M.A. from the Department of Sociology, and Ifan obtained a J.S.D. from the Law School in 1948. They returned to Changsha in the fall of 1948. With the victory of the People's Liberation Army and the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Zhang Ifan became very involved in local and provincial politics. In 1950, Sophia began teaching English and Russian in the Department of Foreign Languages at Hunan Medical College, where she remained until her retirement in 1988.
In 1957, during the Anti-Rightist Campaign, Ifan committed suicide while suffering from diabetes and enduring severe criticism from the provincial party for advocating the idea of the rule of law over the rule of man. Soon after, Sophia was labeled an ultra-rightist. Although she was allowed to continue teaching, she was demoted from her position as chair of the department, and her pay was significantly cut. In 1965, she was labeled a special agent suspect, and she was imprisoned several times throughout the Cultural Revolution.
In 1973, she was able to resume teaching full-time. In 1979, her status as a special agent suspect and as an ultra-rightist were redressed. Shortly after, the Yale-China Association re-established ties with the Hunan Medical College. Through her position in the Department of Foreign Languages, Zhu worked closely with many of the English Language Instructors (ELIs) from Yale University who taught English at the College. In the Spring of 1988, Sophia Zhu retired from teaching, but continued to act as an advisor and resource for ELIs.
In 1946, she traveled with her husband Zhang Ifan to the United States to study at Yale University, where Sophia obtained an M.A. from the Department of Sociology, and Ifan obtained a J.S.D. from the Law School in 1948. They returned to Changsha in the fall of 1948. With the victory of the People's Liberation Army and the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Zhang Ifan became very involved in local and provincial politics. In 1950, Sophia began teaching English and Russian in the Department of Foreign Languages at Hunan Medical College, where she remained until her retirement in 1988.
In 1957, during the Anti-Rightist Campaign, Ifan committed suicide while suffering from diabetes and enduring severe criticism from the provincial party for advocating the idea of the rule of law over the rule of man. Soon after, Sophia was labeled an ultra-rightist. Although she was allowed to continue teaching, she was demoted from her position as chair of the department, and her pay was significantly cut. In 1965, she was labeled a special agent suspect, and she was imprisoned several times throughout the Cultural Revolution.
In 1973, she was able to resume teaching full-time. In 1979, her status as a special agent suspect and as an ultra-rightist were redressed. Shortly after, the Yale-China Association re-established ties with the Hunan Medical College. Through her position in the Department of Foreign Languages, Zhu worked closely with many of the English Language Instructors (ELIs) from Yale University who taught English at the College. In the Spring of 1988, Sophia Zhu retired from teaching, but continued to act as an advisor and resource for ELIs.
Dates
- 1947-2005
Creator
Language of Materials
The collection is in English and Chinese.
Conditions Governing Access
Accessions 1998-M-104 to 2003-M-083 are unprocessed and may contain sensitive information or be in a physical state that would prohibit use. Researchers wishing to request access should email mssa.assist@yale.edu requesting specific box numbers in order to initiate the review process, which may take several weeks.
All other materials are open for research.
All other materials are open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by Sophia Tierong Zhu has been transferred to Yale University. These materials may be used for non-commercial purposes without seeking permission from Yale University as the copyright holder. For other uses of these materials, please contact mssa.assist@yale.edu.
Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Sophia Tierong Zhu, 1995-2001, 2003-2005; gift of Edward V. Gulick, 2000; and transfer from the Office of the President, Yale University, 2001.
Arrangement
Arranged in three series and additions: I. Correspondence, 1979-1997. II. Writings, 1950-1996. III. Photographs, 1947-1996.
Extent
3 Linear Feet
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Overview
The papers include correspondence, writings, and photographs relating to the life and career of Sophia Tierong Zhu. Autobiographical writings about Zhu and her husband, Zhang Ifan, who were both victims of anti-rightist movements in China, comprise a substantive part of the papers. The collection also documents Zhu's close relationship with many English Language Instructors from Yale University.
Biographical / Historical
Sophia Tierong Zhu was born in Shanghai on February 6, 1915. She graduated from the University of Shanghai in 1937, with degrees in chemistry, music, and physics. On January 8, 1938, she married Zhang Ifan. After graduating from college, Zhu worked for several different social service and relief agencies in Shanghai and Changsha, including the YMCA, the YWCA, the Chinese National Relief and Rehabilitation Agency, and the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency. She died in Changsha, China, on August 9, 2009.
Creator
- Title
- Guide to the Sophia Tierong Zhu papers
- Status
- Under Revision
- Date
- July 2008
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository
Contact:
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240 US
(203) 432-1735
(203) 432-7441 (Fax)
mssa.assist@yale.edu
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240 US
(203) 432-1735
(203) 432-7441 (Fax)
mssa.assist@yale.edu
Location
Sterling Memorial Library
Room 147
120 High Street
New Haven, CT 06511