Chinese 311 – Modern Chinese Literature in Translation, Fall 2004
Instructor: Dr. Grace G. Zhou
Office: Thompson Hall 235-I
Phone: (703) 993-1823
E-mail: gzhou@gmu.edu
Class Meeting Time: MW 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Class Meeting Place: FAB B112
Office Hours: Fridays 1:00 -3:00 p.m. or by appointment
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 China?
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 Books (available at the GMU Bookstore)
The Columbia Anthology of Modern Chinese Literature. Eds. Joseph S.M. Lau and Howard Goldblatt. Modern Asian Literature Series. New York: Columbia University
Press, 1995.
Modern Chinese Stories and Novellas, 1919-1949. Eds. Joseph S.M. Lau, C.T. Hsia, and Leo Ou-fan Lee. Modern Asian Literature Series. New York: Columbia University Press, 1981.
Grades
Participation 20%
Weekly Response Journals 20%
Midterm Exam 15%
Final Exam 25%
Research Paper 20%
Session Schedule
Week 1:
8/30 M: Introduction to the Course
9/1 W: Lu Xun, “A Madman’s Diary”
Week 2:
9/6 M: Labor Day, No Class
9/8 W: Lu Xun, “Preface to Call to Arms” “Kong Yiji”
Week 3:
9/13 M: Ye Shaojun, “A Posthumous Son” & “Rice”
9/15 W: Yu Dafu, “Sinking”
Week 4:
9/20 M: Poems by Hu Shi
9/22 W: Poems by Xu Zhimo and Wen Yiduo
Week 5:
9/27 M: Feng Yuanjun, “Separation”
Lu Yin, “After Victory”
9/29 W: Ding Ling, “The Dairy of Miss Sophia”
Week 6:
10/4 M: Shen Congwen, “Xiaoxiao”
10/6 W: Lao She, “An Old and Established Name”
Midterm Review
Week 7:
10/12 T: (Monday classes meet on Tuesday) Midterm
10/13 W: Shi Zhicun, “One Evening in the Rainy Season”
Dai Wangshu, “Rainy Alley”
Week 8:
10/18 M: Ling Shuhua, “Embroidered Pillows”
Zhang Ailing, “Sealed Off”
10/20 W: Ding Ling, “When I Was in Xia Village”
Week 9:
10/25 M: Wang Meng, “A Young Man Arrives at the Organization Department”
10/27 W: Ba Jin, “Remembering Xiao San” (research paper assignment)
Chen Cun, “A Story”
Week 10:
11/1 M: Mo Yan, “Autumn Waters”
Han Shaogong, “The Leader’s Demise”
11/3 W: Chen Ran, “Sunshine between the Lips”
Can Xue, “Hut on the Mountain”
Week 11:
11/8 M: Poems by Bei Dao and Gu Cheng
11/10 W: Xia Yu, “Sweet revenge” & “Hibernation” (project assignment)
Week 12:
11/15 M: Bai Xianyong, “Li T’ung: A Chinese Girl in New York”
“Winter Nights”
11/17 W: Zhang Dachun, “Lucky Worries about His Country”
Week 13:
11/22 M: Yuan Qiongqiong, “Tales of Taipei”
Xi Xi, “A Woman Like Me”
11/24 W: Thanksgiving Holiday
Week 14:
11/29 M: Film “Eat Drink Man Woman”
12/1 W: Discussion
Week 15:
12/6 M: Group presentation
12/8 W: Group presentation
Week 16:
12/15 W: 1:30-4:15 p.m. Final Exam