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Aspects of the Modern Chinese Self In Society
ALIT203 SP

Crosslistings: EAST209

The (auto)biographical writings of modern China offer us an intriguing medium to observe the fundamental changes affecting the individual and the society. This course surveys such writings in disparate genres--novels, diaries, poetry and drams--of China's modern era to gain knowledge and insight on the impact of modernity of China's social and cultural life. The main focus of our inquiry is on how the individual copes with displacement and disorientation as the society goes through crises, trauma and flux, how s/he negotiates between tradition and progress, China and West, and how China forms its distinct approach to individualism, identity of the self and social commitments.

MAJOR READINGS

Liu Tieh-yun, THE TRAVELS OF LAO TS'AN
Lu Xun, DIARY OF A MADMAN AND OTHER STORIES
Hsiao Hong, TALES OF HULAN RIVER
Ding Ling, THE DIARY OF MISS SOPHIA
Zhang Xianliang, MIMESA
Beidao, Duoduo, et al, MISTY POEMS
Wang Shuo, PLAYING FOR THRILLS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Regular quizzes, one short response paper (2-3 pages), one term paper and a final examination.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

No knowledge of Chinese is required.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000


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