CHI207

This course is an exploration of Chinese literature through reading and discussion of some of its masterworks of poetry, drama, fiction, and belles-lettres prose from ancient times to the nineteenth century. The focus of the course is as much on general knowledge of the history of Chinese literature as on ways of reading literary texts from a different culture. Topics we will investigate include: How do we approach a literary text? What is the role of translation in shaping our understanding? In what ways are the works we read products of their own times and places, and how do they speak to universal themes of human experience? No prior knowledge of Chinese language is required, but those who wish to do so are welcome to consult the texts in their original language.