LLEA 33107 - City in Chinese Film/Fiction

Institution:

University of Notre Dame

Subject:

East Asian Lang & Lit

Description:

Since the first decade of the 20th-century, China has undergone tremendous changes, which are most evident in the life of city dwellers. In this class, we will read short stories and analyze films about urbanites and their desires, anguish, and aspirations. We will examine, for instance, why Shanghai was portrayed as the nadir of vice in the 1930s. Or how the underprivileged youths struggle in present-day Beijing. We will read about how the men and women of Taipei and Hong Kong grapple with their changing social, political, economic, and spiritual realities. To complete our understanding of the city in the mind of the Chinese, we will also explore writings by overseas Chinese on foreign cities such as New York and Paris. We will try to answer questions such as how different cities are portrayed and what these diverse perceptions represent. How have these perceptions changed over time? Is the city always exciting, threatening, or benign, and how do people in these various places cope with modern life in the city? Is there no more distinction among cities, now that we are all living in a global village?

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.nd.edu

Phone Number:

(574) 631-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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