The Greatest Chinese Novel: The Dream of the Red Chamber
CEAS 211
Spring 2019 not offered
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THE DREAM OF THE RED CHAMBER (also known as THE STORY OF THE STONE) by Cao Xueqin (ca. 1715--1763) is widely recognized as the masterpiece of Chinese fiction. It is also a portal to Chinese civilization. Encyclopedic in scope, this book both sums up Chinese culture and asks of it difficult questions. Its cult status also accounts for modern popular screen and television adaptations. Through a close examination of this text in conjunction with supplementary readings and visual materials, this course will explore a series of topics on Chinese culture, including foundational myths; philosophical and religious systems; the status of fiction; conceptions of art and the artist; ideas about love, desire and sexuality; gender roles; garden aesthetics; family and clan structure; and definitions of sociopolitical order. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CEAS |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-MN) |
Major Readings:
Cao Xueqin, Gao E, David Hawkes, and John Minford, THE STORY OF THE STONE (in five volumes), Penguin Classics, 1974-1986.
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Examinations and Assignments:
1) Class participation (15%): attend class regularly; give one oral presentation;
2) Online postings (15%): post a weekly response (200 words) on the course website before each class;
3) Midterm paper (30%): 4-6 pages;
4) Final paper (40%): 10-15 pages. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
No background in Chinese history or literature is required for this course. |
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