CHIN 463 A: History of Chinese Literature

CHIN 463 History of Chinese Literature: From the Yuan to Recent Times
TTh 3:30-5:20 DEN 113
SLN 21323 VLPA

Prof. Chris Hamm
jcsong@uw.edu
206-543-4974
Gowen M225; office hours T,Th 10:00-11:00 am

Zhinan Chen
chenzn@uw.edu
206-616-0995
Gowen M226; office hours W 1:00-3:00 pm

Chinese 463 introduces the history of Chinese literature from the Yuan dynasty through the beginning of the 21^st century, focusing on the development of fiction and literature in the vernacular. The flamboyant Ming romance The Water Margin (水滸傳), Lu Xun’s incisive critique of Chinese society in “Diary of a Madman” (狂人日記), Nobel Prize winner Mo Yan’s hallucinogenic visions of The Republic of Wine (酒国)—we will read selections from these and other works in English translation, and examine their connections with their historical contexts and developing literary traditions.

Recommended for anyone with an interest in Chinese literature, culture, or history. No prerequisites, though previous coursework in literature or any aspect of China studies will enrich your experience in the course. All readings and coursework are in English. Students are required to prepare assigned readings, participate in class discussion, post weekly reading responses, complete two short writing assignments and a class presentation, and take a midterm and a final. Optional W credit for a final research paper. 

Course Objectives

Student Responsibilities

Course Components and Assessment

• Participation 15%
• Online discussion 20%
• Writing assignments and presentation 25%
  • First and second writing assignments 10% each, presentation 5%
• Tests 40%
  • In-class midterm 16%, exam week final 24%
• Optional research paper
• Late or missing work

Texts and Readings

Schedule and Assignments

Powerpoint Slides from Class

A printable file of the syllabus is available here.

This syllabus and schedule are subject to modification at the instructor’s discretion. All changes will be announced in class and posted to Canvas.