Imagining Modern China

This course introduces students to the literary and cultural milestones in twentieth-century China, highlighting the capacity of literature as a form of historical engagement and ethical reasoning. Featuring masterpieces by mainland Chinese as well as Sinophone and ethnic minority writers, and translation works and critically acclaimed films, the course unpacks the multivalence of Chinese literary and cultural modernity as well as that of the very term “China.” Issues for discussion include translation and intercultural encounters, nationalism, tradition, gender, the revolutionary legacy, cultural identity, diaspora, and literary citizenship. All readings and discussions are in English.