CHIN/COMP/ENGL 343 Introduction to China: History, Literature, and Thoughts

Instructor: Dr. Ying Xu

Day/Time: TR, 3:30pm-4:45pm, Fall 2021

Credits: 3 Credits, Main Campus

Course Description: Does China create a miracle in the current world economy, or just produce a senseless accumulation of GDP that damages our environment? Is China reviving by persisting with its cultural norms and Confucian thoughts, or still struggling with numerous ruptures between the modern and the traditional? How to understand tremendous and dazzling changes underway in China today? Literature will account for such a huge and seemingly impenetrable entity in an intimate way, i.e., by telling stories of people and land, of struggles and sufferings, and of dream and fate. The works are humorous yet heartbreaking, allegorical or epical, at times provocative, grotesque, and even subversive. This journey invites you to know China inside out.

In 16 weeks, we will survey modern Chinese literature and film in English translation since the beginning of the 20th century. Contending strands such as revolutionary, romantic, modernist, nativist, popular and women’s writing are represented by their most distinctive achievements. Authors of readings and screenings include Lu Xun, Shen Congwen, Xiao Hong, Wang Meng, Ru Zhijuan, Yu Hua, Gei Fei, Mo Yan and Wang Anyi. Knowledge of Chinese is not required.