No background required, although some knowledge of modern Chinese history is helpful. Conducted in English. Emphasis on historical developments, and political, social, and cultural influences. Conducted in English. Chinese fictional works from early times to fall of the empire in 1911.
Approach combines historical with thematic.
Readings concerning adventure, love, revenge, crime and detection, manners, religious allegory, karma, and the supernatural are in English translation. Their ancient forms and how they appear in literature and art. Conducted in English. Historical and contemporary variations of the Chinese writing system. Analyzes the structure of Chinese characters from a historical perspective.