Advanced Topics in Chinese Literature and Culture (300-0-21)

Topic

Sinophone Worlds: Chinese Languages and Cultural P

Instructors

Sihan Wang

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-415: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

AY 25-26. What happens when Chinese culture travels? How do global Chinese-language communities remake "other Chinas" and "other Chinese cultures"? This course explores how Chinese-language communities create and reimagine culture across different regions and historical periods. It introduces major theories and texts of Sinophone literature and culture from 1949 to the present. How do writers, filmmakers, and artists working in Chinese languages reinvent cultural identity beyond national borders? This course examines main texts of Sinophone literature from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and global Chinese communities—Chu T'ien-wen, Wong Kar-Wai, Pema Tseden, Li Zi Shu, among others—as well as the evolving and contested conception of "Sinophone." We will examine how different cultural spaces in the Sinophone produce distinct modes of world-making, which both shapes and challenges our understanding of "Chinese" culture. No previous knowledge of Chinese literature, culture, or history is expected. All materials will be in English translation.

Teaching Method

Lectures and discussions

Evaluation Method

Participation, attendance, and preparation (20%) Presentation (20%) Project phase I (20%): Detailed guidelines to follow Project phase II (20%): Detailed guidelines to follow Final project (20%): Detailed guidelines to follow

Class Materials (Required)

Course materials will be available on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity