George
Mason University
Department of Modern &
Classical Languages
Summer 2007 CHIN311 – Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
Class Meeting Time: MTWR 12:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Class Meeting Place: T106
Instructor:
Chen, Xi
Office Location:
Thompson Hall 234-A
Office Hours:
MW 11:30a.m.- 12:00p.m.;6:30p.m.-7:00 p.m. or by appointment
Office Phone:
(703) 993-1631
E-mail:
xchen8@gmu.edu
Course website:
http://mason.gmu.edu/~kzhang/index.html
Course Description/Objectives
The purpose of this course is to
provide an overview of Chinese literature of the twentieth century. We
will examine examples of the major literary genres such as fiction, poetry,
prose and women’s writings. As we read, we will question our assumptions
about tradition and modernity. Among some key questions to be asked are:
what is Modern Chinese literature? What does it tell us about the
cultural, social, psychological and historical changes that occurred in
twentieth century
The course format combines lecture
and discussion. Brief lectures by the instructor will introduce
historical background and propose possible frameworks for reading the
texts. In-class discussions will allow you to share responses, exchange
ideas, check understanding, and practice close reading. It is hoped that
through the readings and discussions you will be able to gain a broad knowledge
of Chinese literature, develop independent and critical thinking in a
stimulating, non-judgmental environment.
Required Textbooks(available at the GMU bookstores)
The
Press,
1995.
The literature of
Recommended
Modern
Chinese Stories and Novellas, 1919-1949.
Eds. Joseph S.M. Lau, C.T. Hsia,
and Leo Ou-fan Lee. Modern
Asian Literature Series.
Additional
Course Requirements
1. Attendance & in class performance. Attendance of class sessions is crucial. Students
should keep in mind that part of their grade is based on attendance and that
absences count against them regardless of the reasons. There will be no penalty
for the first two missed classes. After that, however, each absence will reduce
the final grade by one percentage point. Class participation is expected since talking with fellow students
is the best way to learn. So earn your good grade the fun way—start and keep
talking in class! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
2. Quizzes A
pop quiz will be given on any day. It
will be a couple of simple questions on material covered in the class
lectures. Be prepared and read before class.
3. Presentation
(10-minute oral report and 3-4 pages of written report) Please
do NOT just summarize
the text(s), except when you are presenting the criticisms. But you are
encouraged to ask thoughtful questions. More details will be given in class.
4. Final Paper (6-8 pages, 12
point font, double spaced Due 6/20),
which analyzes and discusses at least one of the texts we cover in class. Please do NOT just summarize or cite long
quotes from the readings without analyzing them or explaining.
5. Final Exam in class.
Honor Code. The
George Mason University Honor Code is in effect throughout the entire duration
of the course and applies to all course work carried out inside and outside the
classroom. It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the GMU
Honor System and Code as laid out in the Student Handbook.
Please refer to http://www.gmu.edu/mlstudents/handbook/honor.html
for detailed information.
Grades
Final grades are
composed as follows:
Attendance + in class performance 20%
Quizzes 10%
Presentation 20%
(10%oral+10%paper)
Final Paper 20%
Final Exam 30%
Grading Scale
A 100-93
A- 92-90
B+ 89-87
B 86-83
B- 82-80
C+ 79-77
C 76-73
C- 72-70
D 69-60
F 59-
0
Session Schedule
|
5/21 |
Introduction to the course What is “modern” “Chinese”
literature? Screening: |
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5/22 |
Screening: Discussion Sign up for the presentation The "Literary
Revolution" and May Fourth period Lu Xun,
“Preface to Call to Arms,” |
McDougall & Louie 13-30; 93-99 |
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5/23 |
Lu Xun,
“A Madman’s Diary” “Medicine” |
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5/24 |
Lu Xun,
“Kong Yi Ji” “New Year’s Sacrifice” |
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5/28 |
Memorial Day No Class |
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5/29 |
Literary Groups and
Societies Literary Research
Association Creation Society Crescent Society Yu Dafu
“Sinking” |
McDougall & Louie 21;53; 100-102 |
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5/30 |
Xu Dishan “Merchant’s Wife” Shen Congwen Screening: Girl from |
McDougall & Louie 105-109; 125-128; |
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5/31 |
Shen Congwen “Xiao Xiao” Mao Dun “Spring Silkworms” |
McDougall & Louie 109-114 |
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6/4 |
Xu Zhimo “Second Farewell to
Wen Yiduo “Dead Water” “One
Sentence” Li Jinfa
“Woman Abandoned” Dai Wangshu
“Rainy Alley” “With My Injured Hand” |
McDougall & Louie 31-42; 51-54;54-59;68-69 |
|
6/5 |
Ding Ling “When I was in Ling Shuhua
“the Night of Midautumn Festival” (Embroidered
Pillows) Zhang Ailing “Sealed Off”
(“the Golden Cangue”) |
McDougall & Louie
130-134; 212-215; 121-123; 249-251 |
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6/6 |
Zhou Zuoren,
“Reading on the Toilet,” Lin Yutang,
“My Turn at Quitting Smoking,” Liang Shiqiu, “Haircut,” Zhu Ziqing,
“Spring,” The Silhouette,” “Moonlit Lotus Pond,” |
McDougall & Louie 43-45; 46; |
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6/7 |
Literature after 1949 Hundred Flowers Movement Anti-Rightist Campaign Cultural Revolution Screening “Morning Sun” |
McDougall & Louie 189-208; 325-345 |
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6/11 |
Chen Ruoxi
“The Tunnel” Ba Jin “Remembering Xiao Shan” Wen Jie Ruo
“Living Hell” |
McDougall & Louie 128-130, 215-217 |
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6/12 |
Misty Poetry Bei Dao “Answers”, “Declaration” Shu Ting “To the Oak”, “A Cry of a Generation” Gu Cheng “The Generation”, “Far and Near”, “An Ending” |
McDougall & Louie 432-435; 435-436; 436-438 |
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6/13 |
Can Xue
“Hut on the Mountain” Liu Heng
“Dog Shit Food” Yu Hua
“On the Road at Eighteen” |
McDougall & Louie 409-410; 410-412; |
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6/14 |
Bai Xianyong “Winter nights” Yuan Qiongqiong
“Tales of |
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6/18 |
Liu Yichang
“Wrong Number” XiXi “a Woman Like me” |
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6/19 |
Ji Xian “Spring Dancing”, “A Wolf” Yu Guang
zhong “Nostalgia” Luo Fu “ City: Xia Yu “Sweet Revenge” |
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6/20 |
Review Final Paper Due Screening: the Wedding
Banquet |
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6/21 |
Final Exam Have a nice summer! J |
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