Introductory Topics in Chinese Literature and Culture (200-0-20)

Topic

The Plum in The Golden Vase: A Journey Through Jin

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

Locy Hall 214: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

AY26: This course will focus on Jin Ping Mei, The Plum in the Golden Vase. Due to its length, this 16th century novel, which we will read in its English translation, will be the primary focus of the course, though we will include selections from other contemporary and related sources, when relevant to the overall understanding of the text under study. As we navigate this text, uncovering its richness and complexity, we will in turn address issues such as the place of the novel in traditional Chinese literature; authorship and authority; narrative strategies and plot development; magic and religion; material culture and fashion; class and discrimination; health and disease; femininity, masculinity, and their discontents; sexuality and gender dynamics. In addition to Jin Ping Mei, we will engage representative theoretical work in the field of pre-modern Chinese literary and sexual cultures as needed and feasible.

Registration Requirements

The course is open to students interested in Chinese literature and culture, gender studies, and sexuality studies. No pre-requisites.

Learning Objectives

-Acquisition of knowledge about the genre of the novel in late imperial China. This will mean exposure to primary sources (in English, and for those students able to, in Chinese) produced by late imperial Chinese authors, as well as to secondary sources related late imperial fiction and narrative. -Acquisition of knowledge about pornography, sexual culture, and the history of sex in early and early modern China. This will entail exposure to primary sources (in English, and for those students able to, in Chinese) produced by Chinese authors of the time, 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 studies, and gender and sexuality studies. -Growth as independent academic thinkers and writers.

Teaching Method

Teaching methods will include lecture, discussion activities, class participation, readings, films / videos, group work, guest speakers, presentations, research project, writing assignments.

Evaluation Method

The final grade will be based on the following criteria: -Active class participation (discussion, preparation, short assignments, etc.) 30% -Assignments (writing statements, screening and reading responses, short papers, et al.) 35% -Final Project 35%

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be provided on Canvas

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area