Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - HUM 382 D100

Selected Topics in the Humanities II (4)

Change and Survival

Class Number: 9802

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Shuyu Kong
    1 778 782-9219

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

China in the last century has been a turbulent time of revolution, reforms and changes. How have Chinese people survived all the violence, trauma and changes? How have Chinese writers captured personal memories and the broader socio/political history? What kinds of narrative devices have they employed to express their sympathy for and understanding of the complexity of human behaviour?

This course will help the students to explore these questions by introducing Yu Hua one of the most intellectual and experimental writers from contemporary China. Since mid 1980s, Yu Hua ‘s writing, which comprises short stories, novels and essays, has fiercely depicts and comments the rapid changes and chaotic reality of Chinese society and drawn both public and media attention from China and abroad.  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. The aims of the course are to:
·      Discover some representative literary works from contemporary China through close reading; explore how Chinese literature expresses some common subjects and themes in human experience: violence, trauma, history, memory and survival.
·      Develop generic skills in narrative analysis, critical thinking and writing through weekly learning activities, including: class discussions, book review, presentations and the formulation and writing of a final paper.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 20%
  • Online Discussion x 3 15%
  • Book Review 15%
  • Group Presentation 15%
  • Final Paper 35%

NOTES:

THIS COURSE COUNTS AS AN ELECTIVE FOR THE GLOBAL ASIA MINOR

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Yu Hua:          The Past and Punishment: Eight Stories
ISBN: 978-0824818173

RECOMMENDED READING:

To Live 
ISBN: 978-1400031863

China in Ten Words
ISBN: 978-0307739797

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