The Fantastic and the Nonhuman in Pre-modern Chinese Literature
CEAS 245
Spring 2025
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
WLIT 231 |
What defines the human and the humane, and how have "the human" and its many "others" been imagined throughout pre-modern Chinese history? This course explores a fascinating range of Chinese literature dealing with the fantastic and supernatural, from ancient times to the late imperial period. We will delve into captivating stories of gods, ghosts, seductive creatures, and alluring objects, investigating the boundaries of humanity and the rich spectrum of subhuman, superhuman, and nonhuman beings. Key themes include the interplay between the supernatural, gender, and sexuality, and how these narratives either reinforce or challenge traditional hierarchies and social norms. Through these stories, we will discover how pre-modern Chinese literature reflects, questions, and reimagines those cultural values and beliefs. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CEAS |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-MN)(CEAS)(CEAS-Lit&Cult) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 75% - 89% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Our materials include classical tales of the strange, vernacular novels, unofficial histories, odes on objects, poetry, drama, popular songs, and guidebooks to fantastical realms. Close readings of the texts will be complemented by an analysis of their broader cultural, social, and intellectual contexts. The readings are available through the Moodle page for the class.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Reading responses and participation in class discussions are required. For the final assignment, students may choose between creative work or research work. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
All readings are available in English, with optional original language sources for students proficient in Chinese. No prior background is required. |
| Instructor(s): Watanabe,Takeshi Zhou,Yunjun Times: .M.W... 10:20AM-11:40AM; Location: FEAS SEM; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 1 | JR major: 2 | | |
| Seats Available: 2 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 1 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 5 | FR: 4 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 3 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 1 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 2 | Unranked: 0 |
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