Syllabus

Course Description:

This course is designed as a survey of the Chinese theatrical tradition from its origins through the 20^th 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:

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 5^th period (2:50 pm - 4:10 pm), in Scott Hall 101, CAC.

Instructor:

TBA

Attendance and Participation:

Attendance and participation in class discussion are important parts of this course. Absences can be excused only if you are sick or because of a religious holiday.

Assignments:

Assignments for this class include: four 5-page papers and one group assignment. Papers and 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 the final 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.

Grading:

Class attendance and participation: 10%
Homework Assignments: 10%
Group Assignment: 10%
Essay Assignments: 20%
Mid-term: 25%
Final 25%

Required Texts:

Videos in Language Lab (College Avenue only):

Videotapes of the excerpts shown in class will be kept on reserve in the College Avenue Language Lab. You might have to view these tapes for some of your assignments. The tapes are labeled "Chinese 264" plus the respective title of the piece.

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Asian Languages and Cultures Scott Hall Room 330 Tel: 732/932-7605

 

Last updated: July 24, 2006