ASN 361 Asian Literature I: Pre-Modern China & Japan
This interdisciplinary course offers an in-depth study of pre-modern China and Japan (from their beginnings to the eighteenth century) through selected representative literary works and paintings. The readings will be original Chinese and Japanese literary works, but in English translations. All the texts will be examined in relation to their historical, cultural, and political contexts. The course will trace the evolution (the formation and development) of the rich and unique cultural and literary traditions of the two countries during their pre-modern period,by examining their myths, religions, ethics,and aesthetics that have historically defined identities of the two countries.Through close reading and discussion of the texts, students are encouraged to compare and contrast the "literary meanings" of the two countries (and the West) to see connections, differences, continuities, and discontinuities.
Distribution
Literary Analysis, Writing Proficiency, Civilization & Culture