2022-23 Academic Catalog

China—the modern nation—never escapes the influence of the past. But why do Chinese literature and movies like discussing and presenting the past? Do these works truly reflect the past? How is the past presented? What techniques impact the narration of the past and the audience’s perceptions? Through comparison of historic texts and fictional retellings of the same stories, students will gain a better understanding of representation of the past and develop critical reading, analysis, discussion, and writing skills. Sources include historical narratives and biographies, classical texts, poems, fiction, and film. No knowledge of Chinese language required.