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Academic Year 2005/2006


China Modern - An Introduction to the Literature and Film of Twentieth Century China
ALIT 211 SP

Crosslistings:
EAST 211

This course is an in-depth introduction to modern and contemporary Chinese literature and films with a particular emphasis on the relationship between literary/artistic practices and political as well as social history. Literary and filmic texts are examined both within their own forms and in close relation to broad and important historical topics such as cultural tradition, modernity, nationalism, revolution, economy, class, gender, region, and cultural commodification. All readings and screenings are in English or have English subtitles and no previous knowledge of China or Chinese is required.

MAJOR READINGS

Required Texts:

Textbooks:
Lau, joseph and Howard Goldblatt, eds., COLUMBIA ANTHOLOGY OF MODERN CHINESE LITERATURE
Moise, Edwin E., MODERN CHINA: A HISTORY

Course packet

Films for Required Viewing Outside of Class:
THE WHITE-HAIRED GIRL (Ballet, 1972)
Chen Kaige, YELLOW EARTH (1984)
Hu Mie, ARMY NURSE (1985)
Huang Shuqin, WOMAN, HUMAN, DEMON (1987)
Zhang Yimou, RED SORGHUM (1988)

Documentaries for Required Viewing in Class:
THE PACIFIC CENTURY--THE TWO COASTS OF CHINA: ASIA AND THE CHALLENGE OF THE WEST (1992)
THE PACIFIC CENTURY--WRITERS AND REVOLUTIONARIES (1992)
MAO TSE-TUNG (1996)
FROM MOA TOWARDS FULL EQUALITY (2001)

Recommended Text:
McDougall, Bonnie and Kam, Louie, THE LITERATURE OF CHINA IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY (1997)

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Requirement and Grading:
1) Two seven to ten page papers (50%)
2) Leading class discussion and general participation (30%)
3) Final take-home exam (20%)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students are expected to come to all classes. More than one unexcused absences will adversely affect the final grade. There will be no incompletes for the course and no extensions for any of the assignments. Exceptions will be made only in the class of illness or emergencies, provided you present adequate documentation.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA AL&L    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006


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