Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2017 - HUM 382 D100

Selected Topics in the Humanities II (4)

Change and Survival

Class Number: 4744

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2017: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Change and Survival: Contemporary Chinese Fiction in Translation
China in the last century has been a turbulent time of revolution, reforms and changes. How have Chinese people survived these various episodes of violence, trauma and changes? How have Chinese writers captured those personal memories and socio/political history? What kinds of narrative devices have they employed to express their sympathy and understanding of the complexity of humanity? This course introduces some representative fictional works by contemporary Chinese writers. Through a close reading of these works, we will try to reach some understanding of both humanity and narrative from the very specific perspective of contemporary Chinese literature.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The aims of the course are to:

1) Discover contemporary China literature through close reading of three fictional works and explore how Chinese literature expresses some common subjects and themes in 20th century human experience: violence, change, trauma, memory and survival.
2) Acquire and apply some basic concepts of narrative theory to appreciate the art form of fiction through reading short stories, novellas and a novel, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of fictional representation of history and reality in Chinese literary tradition.
3) Develop generic skills in narrative analysis as well as the attributes of thinking and writing critically, through weekly class discussion, presentation and the formulation and writing of a final paper.

In order to achieve these goals, in each class we will discuss one aspect/issue of narrative and representation through a specific text. The students are required to read assigned texts (both primary and secondary) with a set of questions to reflect on, and discuss these questions with follow students on Canvas. These texts and questions will then be further discussed in class through class discussion and group presentations. Active participation in seminars and developing a major research paper are required for successful completion of the course.

Grading

  • Class Attendance and Participation 20%
  • Canvas/on-line Discussion 30%
  • Group Presentation (30 min.) 15%
  • Final essay (including outline 5%) 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Wang Yuan, Beijing Women: Stories. Merwin Asia.
Ah Cheng, The King of Trees: Three Novellas. New Directions.
Yu Hua, To Live: A Novel. Anchor.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Sue Williams, China: A Century of Revolution (Documentary, Media centre, Bennett; also online)

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS