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Introduction
While this course continues the language sequence, it is simultaneously concerned with a
somewhat more systematic and analytical approach to Chinese literature of the 20th century. We
will, therefore, be reading representative works in several literary genres, in their entirety, and
examining them not as linguistic exercises, but as works of art or social commentary. We
will have to read at an accelerated pace, which will require not only plenty of hard work outside
of class, but a general shift in the way we read Chinese texts.
Course Contents
Read and discuss stories, poems, and literary essays from 20th-century Chine. Glosses will
sometimes be provided; as the semester progresses we will move from line-by-line readings
(with transllation part of the time, general discussion at other times) to longer works for which
broader, faster reading is expected.
Course Materials and Procedures
A reader will be provided well ahead of time, and you will be required to photocopy it. It
will
serve us for the entire academic year. Supplementary materials may be distributed from time to
time. Both simplified and traditional characters will be used. We will begin with two lyrical
essays by poet/essayist Zhu Ziqing, and follow them every week or two with another selection.
At least one homework assignment and/or one exam will be assigned/given for each selection or
series. There will be a final exam but no midterm. You will be asked to serve as discussion
leader from time to time. Grades will be determined by the formula: exams -- 50%, homework --
25%, class participation -- 25%.
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