EA 252
Hell on Earth?
Chinese Writers on Modern Chinese Society
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Are we living in a hell on earth? This question has consistently plagued
modern and contemporary Chinese writers when contemplating their society.
In this course we will look at how Chinese writers have used literature
to address the various political and social crises their country has faced
during the last eighty years. We will consider a variety of literary forms
including short stories, a novel, essays, poetry, drama, and film. |
National Day Celebrations, Tiananmen Square, October 10, 1984
Required Texts:
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William A. Lyell, trans. Diary of a Madman and Other Stories by Lu Xun.
Honolulu, University of Hawaii Press, 1990.
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Lau and Goldblatt ed., The Columbia Anthology of Modern Chinese Literature.
New York, Columbia University Press, 1995.
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Howard Goldblatt ed., Chairman Mao Would Not Be Amused. New York,
Grove Press, 1995.
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Course Packet for EA 252J
All the above are available at the bookstore.
See Course Schedule for Specific
Assignments
INTERNET RESOURCES ON MODERN CHINESE HISTORY AND LITERATURE
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Modern Chinese Literature and Culture Center This is an incredibly
comprehensive site--if you are looking for information begin here.
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Index and Database on Chinese Writers The main sites is also that of Renditions magazine. Go to this database for brief biographies of major Chinese writers and listing of works translated
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Lu Xun
A page dedicated to Lu Xun
- Asia for Educators Look under the heading "History after 1800--China"
for a succinct description of China at the beginning of the 20th century.
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John Fairbank Memorial Chinese History
Virtual Library This page contains links to primary documents, maps,
photos, essays and all manner of materials concerning Modern Chinese history
including a section on Modern Chinese literature--well worth exploring.
- Class forum--You are required to post a comment through our class forum two to three times a week (a minimum of 12 postings total. A response to some postings will be mandatory; they will be marked as such on the posting and I will also e-mail class members when I make a post that requires a response.
Detail from a piece of traditional Chinese furniture
