The course is an introduction to modern Chinese literature from 1900 to the present, concentrating on fiction but including also poetry, prose essays and drama, both in Chinese and English translation. The course explores the development and variety of the literature over the period. Emphasis will be given to how the change has affected both content and shape of literary writing. The course explores the works' artistic qualities with attention to continuation of the classical tradition on the one hand, and to Western influences on the other. It will stress major cultural events such as the May Fourth literary revolutionary movement of the 1910s, and the Cultural Revolution of 1966-1976. Involving an entire country of the modern era, the literature reflects the dramatic changes from a semi-feudalistic and semi-colonial to an independent and economically powerful society.
Prerequisite: No knowledge of modern and contemporary Chinese literature is expected. Assignments are in English or Chinese.
