The Chinese Novel -- Spring 2003
A reading course in traditional Chinese fiction
Chinese 165.410: Meeting Period 5 (2:50-4:10 PM) Tuesdays and Thursdays
in Scott 204
Instructor
R. VanNess Simmons in
the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at Rutgers University
Introduction
This is a reading course in traditional Chinese fiction. The central
objective of the course is to develop proficiency and skill in the reading
and comprehension of Chinese fiction of the late Imperial period in the
original Chinese. Secondary objectives of the course include cultivation
of student knowledge and appreciation of Chinese literature, enhancement
of understanding of the literature's cultural and historical context, and
development of skills in the analysis and interpretation of Chinese fictional
literature. In addition to extensive reading and discussion of the
chosen texts, we will examine the characteristics of Chinese fiction, and
issues of narrative structure, characterization, and style. We will
also discuss the relationship between literature, society, and culture,
and facilitate insight into how the literature was understood by the society
and culture that fostered it.
Course Texts
For Spring 2003, we will be reading Outlaws of the Marsh/Water Margin
and Story of the Stone/Dream of Red Mansions in the original Chinese.
The editions we will use are:
-
Shui hu zhuan by Shi Nai'an and Luo Guanzhong; published by Guji
chubanshe in Shanghai.
-
Hong lou meng by Cao Xueqin and Gao E; published by Renli shuju
in Taipei.
We will read chapters from these Chinese texts that are in the Required
COURSE
PACKET--available from Pequod Printing, 119 Somerset Street.
In addition, students may also wish to consult the following abridged English
translations of the texts:
-
Outlaws of the Marsh. Shi Nai'an and Luo Guanzhong. Trans.
by Sidney Shapiro. Abridged edition
-
A Dream of Red Mansions. Tsao Hsuehchin and Kao Ngo. Trans.
by Yang Hsien-yi & Gladys Yang. Abridged edition.
These are available as course textbooks at the University Bookstore at
One Penn Plaza, opposite the New Brunswick train station.
Course Ground Rules
Attendance
-
Attendance is of utmost importance and you are expected to come to every
class well prepared for the day's lesson. Beginning with the second
class you miss, your final grade will be lowered by 1/3 of a grade for
each day you are absent without bona fide medical or religious cause.
Assignments
-
The course will focus on reading and discussing the texts. We will
read assigned chapters in detail in class; and you are expected to read
either
the abridged English versions of both novels in their entirety
OR
the complete unabridged novels either in Chinese or in English translation
outside of class. In addition to the readings, you will be required
to write outlines (in English) of selected chapters in each novel.
You should follow the model provided by the instructor in making your outlines.
We will further discuss and assign the outline responsibilities in class.
In addition, you will be required to produce a final course project.
The project can be one short report that you write yourself (1200 to 1600
words typed in English, or 3000 to 4000 characters in Chinese, 12 point
font, double-spaced), or you can choose to do a group project with 2-4
of your classmates. The following is a list of ideas for the project:
Research report
--on authors or playwrights from historical times
--on genres
Book evaluation
--report and discussion of a book on traditional Chinese fiction
Skit or performance of a passage from our readings
--let your imagination free
--with traditional techniques, or using your own interpretive method
We will discuss project topics a few weeks before it is due. Assignments
must be handed in on time; late papers will not receive full credit.
Quizzes
-
There will be two quizzes. The first will be on the dates of the
Chinese dynasties, which form the framework for our understanding of the
literature in its historical context, as well as the context of much of
what is written in the stories we will read. The second will be on
the map of China, to ensure you understand the very basics of Chinese geography.
I will provide you with further information on these quizzes later.
No make ups will be given for missed quizzes.
Exams
-
There will be a midterm and a final exam. Both will consist primarily
of translation, identification, and short answer questions on the readings
and the historical background of the novels and their stories.
Grading
-
Final grades will be based on reading preparedness, participation in class
discussion, written assignments, quiz results, the midterm, and the final.
Your final grade will be calculated approximately as follows:
| A. reading, class participation, & attendance |
10% (or more)
|
| B. assignments/outlines/project |
30%
|
| C. quizzes |
20%
|
| D. midterm |
20%
|
| E. final |
20%
|
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Week 1
T1/21 Course Introduction and Preliminaries.
Th1/23 Begin reading Outlaws of the
Marsh/Water Margin: Chapter One.
(Daily readings will be assigned during each class. You can keep
track of assignments on this schedule sheet.)
Week 2
T1/28
Th1/30
Week 3
T2/4
Th2/6 Date Quiz
Week 4
T2/11
Th2/13
Week 5
T2/18
Th2/20
Week 6
T2/25
Th2/27
Week 7
T3/4 Begin reading Story of the Stone/Dream
of Red Mansions: Chapter One.
Th3/6
Week 8
T3/11
Th3/13 Midterm
SPRING BREAK: Week of 3/17
Week 9
T3/25 Discuss preparation of projects
Th3/27
Week 10
T4/1
Th4/3
Week 11
T4/8
Th4/10
Week 12
T4/15
Th4/17 Map Quiz
Week 13
T4/22
Th4/24
Week 14
T4/29 Project presentations
Th5/1 Project presentations
The Final Exam will be Friday, May 9, 2003 from 12:00 pm to 3:00
pm in Scott 204.