CHIN 463/563 History of Chinese Literature: From the Yuan to Recent Times
CHIN 463: SLN 12499 VLPA
CHIN 563: SLN 12504
MW 1:30-3:20 via Zoom: https://washington.zoom.us/j/93525614400
As of December 2021, I hope to offer this course in hybrid form; see details here.
Prof. Chris Hamm
jcsong@uw.edu
206-543-4974
Gowen M245
Office hours M, W 11:00 am-noon via Zoom: https://washington.zoom.us/j/99616365669
Asian empire, struggling nation-state, standard-bearer for international revolution, global superpower, far-flung diaspora—as the Chinese nation and Chinese culture have developed over the centuries, literature has served as a guide, a reflection, a challenge, an escape. This course traces Chinese literary history from the Yuan dynasty to the early 21st 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, watch pre-recorded lectures, participate in class discussion, submit weekly written responses, and complete two take-home exams.
CHIN 463 is taught jointly with CHIN 563. 463 offers optional W credit for a final research paper. 563 requires the final research paper.
The links below will take you to elements of the course syllabus. For daily navigation, I recommend using the Modules page.
Course and University Policies
Course Components and Assessment
First and Second Take-home Exams (25% each)
Research Paper (Optional for 463)
Class Slides
This syllabus and schedule are subject to modification at the instructor’s discretion. All changes will be announced in class and posted to Canvas.