Courses:

Traditional Chinese Literature: Poetry, Fiction, and Drama >> Content Detail



Syllabus



Syllabus

A course calendar is available below.



Course Description


This course is an introduction to three of the major genres of traditional Chinese literature-poetry, fiction and drama, with a focus on vernacular fiction. We will read translations of a number of the "masterworks" of Chinese literature. We will also examine the intertextuality between these genres - how poetry blends into narrative, how fiction becomes drama, and drama inspires fiction. Through reading these selected works of traditional Chinese literature, we will examine some of the major features of traditional Chinese society: religious and philosophical beliefs, the imperial system and dynastic change, gender relations, notions of class and ethnicity, family, romance and sexuality. All works are read in translation; no language background is necessary.



Objectives


This class seeks not only to introduce students to highlights from the canon of traditional Chinese literature, but also secondarily to consider the idea of this literary canon as a "living tradition," both in contemporary Chinese societies and in the global Chinese diaspora. Student projects will focus on contemporary media adaptations of famous Chinese literary works (in film, anime, comic books, computer games, Web sites, music, theater, and other media).



Requirements


Requirements for this course include the weekly reading journal, short oral presentations, and a final project. Active class participation and regular attendance are extremely important.

***No class absence, except in cases of illness, or family emergency. Please inform me in advance by e-mail.



Grading



REQUIREMENTSPERCENTAGES
Class Participation30%
Final Project/Presentation30%
Weekly Journal15%
Informal Presentations10%
Annotated Bibliography15%



Texts


Please consult the reading assignments before purchasing books, as many works will not be read in their entirety. However, I hope you will finish reading them on your own.

Please visit readings for a comprehensive listing of texts and reading materials used in this course. A listing of films is also available.



Calendar



SES #ACTIVITIESKEY DATES
Introduction
1Introduction
2Lecture: Introduction to Chinese Culture
Poetry and Classic Stories
3Lecture
4DiscussionJournal #1 due
Introduction to Drama: The Story of the Western Wing
5Library Workshop
6Lecture
7Discussion and Dramatic ExerciseJournal #2 due
Introduction to the Novel: Three Kingdoms
8Lecture
9DiscussionJournal #3 due
Outlaws of the Marsh
10Lecture
11DiscussionJournal #4 due
12Discussion: Film Adaptations of Outlaws of the Marsh
The Journey to the West
13Lecture
14DiscussionJournal #5 due
15Discussion: Film Adaptations of the Monkey StoryAnnotated bibliography due
The Story of the Stone/The Dream of the Red Chamber
16

Lecture

Discussion: Final Project Ideas

17Field TripField trip to the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, MA)
18DiscussionJournal #6 due
19DiscussionJournal #7 due
20Field TripField trip to the Chinese House at the Peabody Essex Museum (Salem, MA)
21Discussion
Conclusion
22-24Student Presentations
25Submit Final ProjectFinal project due
26Class Party

 








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