Spring 2008

CHI 340 • Classical Chinese Poetry

Course Description

The class will read original texts of traditional style Chinese poetry from the Book of Poetry (Shi Jing) to poems of the shi and ci genres from the Song Dynasty. The students should have an advanced-level Chinese language background and some knowledge about the grammatical features of classical Chinese. Class time will be divided between translation of the poems and analysis of their aesthetic features. Each student may choose to write either 1). three short interpretive papers or 2). one short and one long paper. In the case of the latter, the due days are the same as those for the first and third paper in the first category. Quizzes will be given on reading assignments as well as memorization of specific poems. Preparation before class is extremely important. More than three absences will significantly lower your final grade.

Grading Policy

Class preparation and discussion: 40 % Tests and/or papers: 50% Quizzes and memorization: 10%

Texts

Jeannette Faurot, Drinking with the Moon: Selections of Classical Chinese Poetry Burton Watson, Chinese Lyricism: Shi Poetry from the Second to the Twelfth Century Xeroxed course packet

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