Introductory Topics in Chinese Literature and Culture (200-0-20)
Topic
From Page to Screen. The (Many) Afterlives of Prem
Instructors
Paola Zamperini
847/467-4593
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Office 4-431
Office Hours: Varies quarter to quarter, please check with instructor.
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
AY24 In this course we will read early and early modern short stories, plays, and novels, either in their entirety, if possible, and if not in excerpted form, and trace the evolution of their textual narrative, character development, and overarching themes to their 20th and 21st century adaptations in a variety of new media, from film to drama to TV series and graphic novels. The early and early modern Chinese stories we may discuss will include Six Dynasties zhiguai, tales of the supernatural; Yuan dynasty plays such as Xixiang ji, The Romance of the Western Chamber, and Jiu fengchen, Zhao Pan'er Rescues a Fallen Woman; and Ming and Qing novels like Xiyou ji, The Journey to the West; Xiyou pu, The Supplement to the Journey to the West; Jin Ping Mei, The Plum in the Golden Vase; Shuihu zhuan, The Water Margins; and Honglou meng, Dream of the Red Chambers. In our analytical approach we will rely on close readings that focus on narrative structure, plot and character development, as well as the permutations that such key elements undergo with changes and shifts in media technologies. In addition to the primary sources, representative theoretical work in the fields of Chinese culture, history, gender theory, feminist and sexuality studies, and adaptation studies will be incorporated as much as possible.
No pre-requisite necessary, though previous exposure to pre-modern and modern and contemporary Chinese literature and culture may be helpful. Please note that in our in-class discussions and for all written assignments for the course, we will default to the English translations of the sources we will focus on, but anyone who can read the original versions- be they in Classical Chinese or early modern vernacular-is welcome to do so.
Learning Objectives
-Acquisition of knowledge about early and early modern fiction (meaning fictional narratives in a variety of genres, from short stories in Classical Chinese to plays and novels). This will entail exposure to primary sources (in English, and for those students able to, in Chinese) produced by Chinese authors in a variety of genres and media over a span of about two thousand years, as well as to related secondary sources.
-Development of methodological skills in studying, reading, and analyzing the primary and secondary sources related to the themes of the course.
-Growth as independent researchers in the fields of Asian humanities, Chinese cultural and visual studies, adaptation and media studies.
-Growth as independent academic thinkers and writers.
Teaching Method
Discussion and lecture
Evaluation Method
The final grade will be based on the following criteria:
-Active class participation (attendance, preparation, and discussion) 30%
-Assignments (writing statements, short papers, in class presentations, etc.) 35%
-Final Project 35%
Class Materials (Required)
All required readings are listed in the syllabus and will be available through Canvas, in the Modules Section. Some of you may prefer or wish to read our sources in hard copy. All required readings will also be available on Reserve at the Main library.
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area