264 Chinese Drama

Course Description:
This course is designed as a survey of the Chinese theatrical tradition from its origins through the early 20th century. The main emphasis of the course is on Chinese drama as a performing art. Therefore, we will read the dramatic texts specifically for their theatrical aspects and interpret these texts within the context of the theatrical spaces, situations, and practices of the time when they were written and produced. All readings are in English.

The course consists of several components:
1. lectures in which I will provide an outline history of Chinese drama from its origins to the early 20th century
2. analysis and interpretation of dramatic texts (in class)
3. analysis and interpretation of videotaped performances of select acts from our readings (in class)
4. individual and group exercises in the analysis and interpretation of both dramatic texts and videotaped performances (in the form of homework assignments)

Course Objectives:
At the end of the term you will have accomplished the following things:
you will have read a significant number of the most famous and important dramatic texts of the Chinese theatrical tradition
you will be familiar with the general outline of the development of Chinese drama
you will be able to talk and write about Chinese dramatic texts, using a variety of analytical and interpretive tools
you will be able to talk and write about Chinese performance traditions as they are still practiced today
you will be able to bring to bear your experiences of watching the videotaped performances on your analysis and interpretation of dramatic texts

Frequency and Place of Meetings:
The class meets twice a week, Monday and Wednesday 5th period (2:50 pm - 4:10 pm), in Scott Hall 101.

Instructor:
Maggie Chiang
Scott Hall 337
(732) 932-5596 (O)
monkeyjourney@comcast.net
Office hours: MW 1.40-2.40 and by arrangement

Attendance and Participation:
Attendance and participation in class discussion are important components of this course and can make a substantial difference in your final grade. Absences can be excused only if you are sick or you observe a religious holiday.

Assignments:
Assignments for this class include: four 5-page papers and a number of small homework assignments.
These assignments are due on the date they are listed in the schedule. No late assignments will be accepted.

Mid-Term:
The mid-term examination will consist of three parts: 1. a section in which you will be asked to list items for a particular topic 2. a section in which you will be asked to define or discuss certain key terms; and 3. an essay section in which I will ask you to write on the content, form, or other aspects of the material we covered in class.

Final:
The final follows the same format as the mid-term. Although it will be not cumulative, there will be certain questions for which you will have to relate the later material to the earlier one.

Extra-Credit:
I will let you know about performances of Chinese drama in the New York/New Jersey area. If you choose to attend such a performance and write a brief report about it (2 pages maximum), you will be given extra-credit. There will also be other opportunities to earn extra-credit which I will announce in class. Satisfactory completion of two extra-credit assignments might elevate your final grade by as much as half a grade point.

Grading:
Class attendance and participation: 10%
Essay Assignments: 30%
Homework Assignments: 10%
Mid-term: 25%
Final 25%

Required Texts:
Tang Xianzu. The Peony Pavilion. Trans. Cyril Birch. 2nd ed. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2002. (Available at the Rutgers University Bookstore)

Course packet (serves as textbook for this class). Available at Pequod Print & Copy, 119 Sommerset Street, New Brunswick. Phone: (732) 214-8788.

Alexander Reserve:
I have put various books on reserve in Alexander Library. You might find some of these books helpful for doing assignments or when writing papers.