Time Schedule:
Mark Pitner
ASIAN 201
Seattle Campus
Introduction to ancient and classical Chinese literature in its cultural context. Texts in English translation. Offered: alternate years; A.
Class description
Asian 201 is designed to introduce students from a broad range of backgrounds to Chinese literature and culture through English translations. The readings will be further matched with visual materials that link the literary record with the material record which allows students to see what was happening in the world surrounding the literary works. This course provides students with little or no background in Chinese culture with a broad framework to build on. It is also geared to offer an introduction to the literary culture of China to students who might have studied the language, history or art but have had little chance to look closely at the literature.
The overall aim of this course is to acquaint students with a broad sample of fundamental works, themes, ideas and questions that shape the university level study of Chinese literature and culture at the present time.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The class will be a mixture of lecture and discussion both of which will require the participants to have read the proposed discussion questions, done their readings, and to have thought about them so as to pose and react to questions.
Recommended preparation
No extra preparation is required besides coming to the class with a sense of curiosity and willingness to understand a cultural view that is both distant in time and space.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will predominantly be preparing daily readings and their accompanying discussion questions.
Grades will be assigned based on a combination of: participation, a written paper, quizzes, a midterm and final examination.
Because this is a "W" course, students will gain practice in writing analytical essays on assigned texts.
Examinations are based on lectures as well as the required readings.
