CHIN 206 - Chinese Literature in Translation: Sex and the Country

Second Semester. This course studies the use of “sex” and “the country” as a site and a metaphor in modern Chinese literature.  Broadly defined, sex signals issues of sexuality, gender relations, reproduction, and seduction, while the country represents the nation, nature, and peasants.  Taken together, these two not only inspire visions of liberation but also instigate fears of transgression. Studying a wide selection of short stories, novels, and films, we will pay  special attention to the ways in which writers and directors evoke the passion of one’s love-hate relationship with these two complex metaphors to negotiate the larger political and cultural issues of  a postmodern China.

Prerequisites & Notes
Ms. Deppman

[Next Offered 2007-2008]

Credits: 3 hours