Introduction to Asian Literature
Ancient Romance to Contemporary Cinema
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the major genres of traditional and contemporary Asian literature in translation, including literary masterpieces of China, Japan, and Korea.
We will also examine how historical narratives were adapted into films; what compelled intellectuals in traditional China to write allegorical ghost stories, and why premodern Chinese and Japanese poetry share similar features. Many of these influential literary and visual texts revolve around fundamental issues of gender, romance, and national identities.
Course Goals
Through individual and collaborative analytical exercises, students will become familiar with a number of critical terms used in literary analysis and become more sophisticated readers of Asian literary and visual culture.