Topic: Literary Encounters with Ming-Qing China
| Time | Days | Location | Instructor | GER | Credit | OPUS Class Number | Syllabus (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2:00pm-2:50pm | MWF | Callaway Center N109 | Shen, Liyan. | Up to 4 hours. | 12779 | TBA. |
This course studies selected literary works from Ming-Qing China (1368-1911), with a focus on chuanqi (legends), zhiguai (tales of the strange and supernatural), xiaopinwen (essays) and biji (sketches). We will consider various writers and how their works explore the social, historical, natural and supernatural world of Ming-Qing China. Classes will cover such topics as urbanization and the formation of cultural counter-traditions, vernacular stories, popular religious narratives, urban crime stories, erotic and supernatural narratives by marginal writers, and autobiographical writings. We will engage issues in the discourse of early modernity beyond a Eurocentric outlook.
No prior knowledge of Chinese language or East Asian Studies is required. All texts are in English. Coursework will include active discussion, two short research papers, two in-class presentations, and brief writing assignments.
The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.