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

Online: Mon, Wed 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Overview of class

Title: From Page to Screen
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 bu, 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.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Synchronous:Class meets remotely at scheduled time