Fall 2019 - WL 201 D100
East/West Encounters (3)
Class Number: 1345
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 7, 2019
Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Explores the relationship between Eastern and Western narratives. The focus may include the mutual influence of Eastern and Western cultural traditions and modernities, the construction of the 'East' in the West and of the 'West' in the East, theories of Orientalism and Occidentalism, and forms of East/West syncretism. This course may be repeated once for credit when different topics are offered. Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
Critics argue that global culture offers a new ‘grammar of identity’ for the modern world. At the same time, ‘transnational’ literary works are seen to provide readers with tools for cross-cultural comprehension – yet what happens when the attempt to bridge national differences results in incomplete assimilation? By focusing upon the permeable margins of the East/West divide, our readings explore the synthesis of national & cultural spaces of understanding across South East Asia & Japan as a geographically defined test case for the pressures of Westernization & globalization.
Our course texts cross the span of 20th Century experience in Japan (Naomi) and Taiwan (The Stolen Bicycle and The Lost Garden) before turning to family sagas unfolding across Kolkata and London (The Shadow Lines), and then Saigon and Montreal (Ru). We will also watch East Asian films which blend Eastern Western modes of storytelling.
Grading
- Short Essay 15%
- Presentation: East / West 20%
- Participation 15%
- Term Paper 25%
- Final Exam 25%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
COURSE FILMS: [PROVIDED]
The Scent of Green Papaya ( Vietnam ) Tran Anh Hung
Suchou River ( China ) Lou Ye
REQUIRED READING:
Junichiro TANIZAKI, Naomi. Vintage.
ISBN: 978-0375724749
Amitav GHOSH, The Shadow Lines. Mariner.
ISBN: 978-0618329960
Kim THÚY, Ru. Vintage.
ISBN: 978-0345816146
LI Ang, The Lost Garden. Columbia UP.
ISBN: 978-0231175555
WU Ming-yi, The Stolen Bicycle (excerpt) [ PROVIDED ]
Registrar Notes:
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