A survey of the major genres and modes of a literature that represent the Chinese humanistic perspective. Humanism is the essence of Chinese culture. Moral commitment, emotional sensitivity, intellectual capacity, and philo sophical enlightenment constitute the major aspects of humanity. Writers of classical Chinese literature demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibil ity while granting themselves unrestrained license to self expression and critical opinions. In their works, these writers confirmed human beings' individual value and vigorously portrayed their plight and pleasure, and they illustrated a firm trust of human intelligence and glorified human effort in search for peace and tranquillity.
All readings are in English.
Thiscoursecountstowardtheliterature Area of Study requirementforgraduation. This course introduces selected works by some of the most sensitive intellectuals of modern China. Participants will study the writers' moral burden to expose the prevalent spiritual corruption in the face of progress and modernization, their emotional intensity in venting indignation and frustration, as well as their faith in human dignity and wisdom. Films will be used for visual reinforcement and for comparative studies on narratives. All readings are in English.