Prose of the World: Understanding Late Imperial China through Fiction and Belles-Lettres

This course introduces the culture and society of late imperial China through fiction and prose written between 1368 and 1911. The course aims to analyze literary work as the interface of social development and cultural renovation. A chronological exposure to various geographical regions is structured under three conceptual frameworks: cultural belatedness as abundant historical reference; early modernity as commercialization; and pre-modern China encountering the world. The balanced selection of readings in four major literary genres, written by male and female authors, cover topics including: social uprising, the imperial court, civil examination, diplomacy, urban market, travel, religious cult, and courtesan culture. Prerequisites: None.