TWENTIETH CENTURY CHINESE FICTION    二十世紀中文小説

CHINESE 521     Fall 2008

CLASS MEETING:   12:35- 13:50PM

TUESDAY & THURSDAY

         

 

Course Objective and Description:

     In this course, students are engaged in pleasure of reading for at least 15 great short stories written by contemporary Chinese writers. We use history, memory and construction of identity as three focal points to enhance critical reading on Chinese fiction, humanity depicted the best, created by great writers of the 20th century. Students are encouraged to exercise their intellectual power using modes of inquiry, explanation and interpretation while reading stories before each class and for all in-class discussions. Through their self-paced and concentrated effort, the participants’ understanding of the selected writers and their fiction of the Chinese society advances from stage I to II, beginning with a build-up to “learn to read” and then landing at the level to “read to learn.” The level of density and challenges of each story to each participant may be mixed and varied. The participants are expected to benefit from the assortment of writing of each selected writer and from group discussions in this class. This class aims to engage all participants with series of on-going exercise to articulations over their own chosen subjects through reading, speaking, listening and writing.

 

Instructor: 

Dr. Hsiu-huei Lin Domizio; Assistant Professor of Chinese & Chinese Pedagogy

Contact:    x 83120; hdomizio@sfsu.edu  | Office:  Room 341 Humanities 

Office Hours: Tuesday 11:00-12:00 PM; Thursday 4:00-5:00 PM

 

Grading, Attendance & University Policy:

  1. Grading System:

Letter

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C+

C

C-

D+

D

D-

F

Numeric

100-93

93-90

89-87

86-84

83-80

79-77

76-74

73-70

69-67

66-64

63-60

59-0

 

 
  1. Progress: Our class may have students with diverse proficiency background but grading should be and will be based on evidence of each individual student’s attitude and diligence toward routine class work, performance and their demonstration of significant progress.
  2. Absences and lateness will affect a student’s grade. Any behaviors of distraction that affect the quality of academic environment for teaching and learning should not and will not be tolerated. Please be aware of SFSU university policy and penalty on this area.
  3. Cheating is an academic crime. Dishonesty and plagiarism will be penalized based on the university policy. Class members are expected to stay on the right path throughout the semester.
  4. Students with special needs are encouraged to communicate with the instructor for further assistance.

 

Requirements and Grading System:

  1. Reading assignment/home work [15%]: Please (1) complete the reading assignment and (2) complete reflection/response on time and post on COURSE BLOG (http://transculturation.org/Chinese521_Fall08) before mid-night prior to each class the next day.
  2. In-class performance [15%]:  Students are expected to self monitor their own improvement. Be prepared for in-class critical inquiries and discussions before each class. Participations with critical thinking skills, good sense, good cheers and good preparation for each class are appreciated.
  3. Review Quizzes [20%]: One review quiz after each two lessons (vocabulary and some reflective responses as in-class reading & writing)
  4. Term Papers [50%]

          Presentations and paper -mid-term [25%] and final [25%]: There will be options to  work in pair and/or to work individually for mid-term and for final projects.  Students are required to discuss with the instructor on these events at least two/three weeks ahead of time. Be sure to submit a powerpoint and a word document (narrative/essay) on e-files by uploading to iLearn before deadline.

 

NOTE: On mid-term and final projects- The written paper of a project is expected be done by a computer for each term paper. However, if strenuous circumstances arise, students may submit a hand written paper provided that the hand writing is neat and legible. Late submissions will affect grades. If a student wishes to have his/her final paper return, a stamped, self-addressed envelope must be provided to the instructor ahead of time. Proof read, error-free actions must be done before submissions.

 

Textbook & Teaching Materials:

History, Memory and Construction of Identity - I

  1. Reading I - Advanced Reader of Contemporary Chinese Short Stories: Reflections on Humanity by Ying Wang (Editor), Carrie E. Reed (Editor); paperback; publisher: University of Washington Press; bilingual edition  (February 2004) ISBN: 0295983655 (當代短篇故事選讀) -- Yu Hua, "I Don't Have a Name of My Own"; Mianmian, "A Patient"; Qiu Shanshan, "Afternoon Tea";  Liu Yunsheng, "The Pink Butterfly That Flies Away"; Liang Xiaosheng, "Watering Can";  Xia Shang, "Half Idiot"; Bi Feiyu, "Breastfeeding Woman"; Lu Ping, "Plain Gate";  Su Tong, "Umbrella"; Wang Meng, "A Mi's Story".

   

History, Memory and Construction of Identity - II

  1. Reading II- Course Readers on Selected 20th Century Writers’ Fiction

This includes selected writings by

1920年代沈從文(蕭蕭); 1930年代張愛玲 (封鎖; 年輕的時候; 傾城之戀); 1960 年代白先勇(遊園驚夢); 1980年代三毛(沙漠中的飯店; 荒山之夜); 1990年代李碧華作品評述; 2000年代王安憶 (談小説); 三毛等人評白先勇。

 

Relevant Links on Chinese Literature and Culture

Modern Chinese Lit. & Culture

 

Rocky Mt. Review of Lang. & Lit.

 

Association of Asian Studies (AAS)

WK

DATES

CONTENT

 

TASKS

 

 

Stage I:  HISTORY, MEMORY & CONSTRUCTION OF IDENTITY

 

1

 

8/26

 

 

Course Orientation

什麽是小説? (What is fiction? By 王安憶)

 

Prepare the textbook

 

 

 

8/28

 

余華- 1995 - 我没有自己的名字

 

·      Identify characters’ historical significances-

·      submit 3 questions (written) for critical inquiry & discussion

·      BLOG

 

 

2

9/2

棉棉- 2000- 一个病人

 

9/4

Quiz #1

 

In-class quiz (30-40 minutes)

 

3

 

9/9

 

裘山山 -1999- 下午茶

 

 

 

9/12

 

劉雲生 - 2000- 遠去的粉蝴蝶

·      Identify characters’ historical significances-

·      submit 3 questions (written) for critical inquiry & discussion

·      BLOG

 

 

4

 

9/16

 

Quiz #2

 

 

9/18

 

 

梁曉聲 -2000 - 噴壺

 

5

 

9/23

 

夏商 - 2000 - 二分之一傻瓜

 

 

9/25

 

Quiz #3

 

In-class quiz (30-40 minutes)

6

 

9/30

 

毕飞宇1995-1996:

哺乳期的女人

·      Identify characters’ historical significances-

·      submit 3 questions (written) for critical inquiry & discussion

·      BLOG

 

 

10/2

 

陆平2000: 白坯院门

 

7

10/7

 

Quiz #4

 

 

10/10

 

蘇童 2001: 傘

 

8

10/14

王蒙 1990: 阿咪的故事

 

 

10/16

Mid-term project day:

presentation & paper (a hard copy paper & word document and powerpoint files due)

Mid-term paper: Critique/critical review on one selected short story

 

Stage II:  HISTORY, MEMORY AND CONSTRUCTION OF IDENTITY

 

 

9

 

10/21

蕭蕭-I (沈從文)

 

 

 

10/23

蕭蕭-II (沈從文)

 

10

10/28

沙漠中的飯店 (Restaurant in the Desert by San Mao)

 

 

 

10/30

 

 

張愛玲及其作品特色和電影

 

 

11

 

11/4

 

 

封鎖-I (Seal Off by Eileen Chang)

 

·      Identify characters’ historical significances-

·      submit 3 questions (written) for critical inquiry & discussion

·      BLOG

 

 

 

# prepare and carry out final project ahead of time: choose two stories written by one or two major writers and carry out a critical comparative study about them. Originality and organization: List key points in which you substantiate with arguments/evidence for your positions. Write your very own critique, interpretation, critical inquiries and reflections in relation with history, memory and or construction of identity.

 

 

11/6

 

封鎖-II (Seal Off by Eileen Chang)

 

12

11/11

年輕的時候-I (The Youth by Eileen Chang)

 

 

11/13

 

年輕的時候-II (The Youth by Eileen Chang)

13

 

11/18

 

Quiz #5

 

11/20

 

傾城之戀-I (Love in the Fallen City by Eileen Chang)

 

14

11/25

 

傾城之戀-II (Love in the Fallen City by Eileen Chang)

 

 

11/27

 

傾城之戀-III (Love in the Fallen City by Eileen Chang)- Film

15

12/2

 

遊園驚夢-I (Wandering in the Garden, Waking from a Dream by 白先勇)

·      Identify characters’ historical significances-

·      submit 3 questions (written) for critical inquiry & discussion

·      BLOG

 

 

### prepare and carry out final project ahead of time: choose two stories written by one or two major writers and carry out a critical comparative study about them. Originality and organization: List key points in which you substantiate with arguments/evidence for your positions. Write your very own critique, interpretation, critical inquiries and reflections in relation with history, memory and or construction of identity

 

12/4

 

遊園驚夢-II (Wandering in the Garden, Waking from a Dream by Xianyong Bai)

16

12/9

 

遊園驚夢-III (Wandering in the Garden, Waking from a Dream by Xianyong Bai)  - Film

 

12/11

 

Final Presentation: hard copy paper & word document and powerpoint files due

 

Note: The schedule is subject to change, if pedagogical needs for adjustment occur.