Students should be acquainted with the elements of literature and be able to apply their knowledge in literary analysis and discussion. Insofar as possible the course is conducted as a seminar, featuring active participation of students in a discussion format. Students examine, analyze, and discuss Premodern Chinese philosophical, religious, and cultural developments as they are revealed in classical Chinese literature. Students use appropriate critical vocabulary to describe the elements of literature, including structural features, thematic concerns, and, insofar as is feasible in translation, matters of style. Students apply their analytical skills in writing assignments based upon, and emanating from, class discussion of assigned reading.
Students prepare at least one assignment that includes library research.
Evaluation of student performance is based upon papers, quizzes, examinations, and class participation. In addition to the regular undergraduate requirements, Honors students complete an Honors project which includes an oral presentation to the class. In addition to the regular undergraduate requirements, graduate students complete a graduate-level research paper. Birch, Cyril, ed. Anthology of Chinese Literature from early times to the fourteenth century.