2:30-3:45P     TR    LI 1051

Topic: Traditional Chinese Society through Literature
Above section carries culture studies credit
Above section limited to Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors
Above section COAS intensive writing section and requires
registration in COAS W333

Students in this course enter intimately into the eighteenth-century
Chinese world by reading two of the most engaging works of prose from
that era: a biting satire of elite life and values, The Scholars by Wu
Jingzi; and a colorful, affectionate, moving memoir of a young
couple's life together, The Six Records of a Floating Life by Shen Fu.
Numerous aspects of high and low eighteenth-century Chinese society,
culture, politics, education, economics, values, and
beliefs-especially regarding women-come vividly to light under the
author's pens.  Students read carefully the English-language
translations of these works and discuss the chapters in class.
Background on the era is provided in a third required text, Chinese
Society in the Eighteenth Century by Naquin and Rawski, as well as in
some course-packet readings, and numerous matters are illustrated
visually with slides and videos.  Students write three papers, in both
draft and final versions, on subjects of their own choice that appear
in the novel.  Extensive bibliographical help is provided by the
professor.  Grades are based one-third on class preparation and
participation and two-thirds on the papers.