Courses:

A course calendar is available below.

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.

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 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.

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.