Asian Languages & Civilization 361 - Lu Xun and Modern China

This course is an invitation to the literary world of Lu Xun, the iconic writer of twentieth-century China, a relentless critic and a man of spiritual anguish. Besides delving into Lu Xun’s different periods and genres of writing, we will also read a constellation of writers who have been in dialogue with Lu Xun: his younger brother and the humanist flag-bearer Zhou Zuoren, the gifted female writer Xiao Hong, the storyteller of China’s southwest hinterland Shen Congwen, and the Taiwanese Marxist writer Guo Songfen. In taking a close look at select authors, the course helps students gain methodological awareness in the study of modern China.

All readings are in English. Prior knowledge of modern China is preferred but not required. Requirements include short reflection papers, an oral presentation, a book review, and a final paper. Two class meetings per week.

Spring semester. Professor Ying.