Oriental languages and civilizations

The course aims to introduce students to the History of Chinese Literature from the end of 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. It will analyze the changing function and role of literature, the transformation of literary genres (in particular in fiction and poetry) and the new role assigned to intellectuals and writers. Through analysis of primary sources in Chinese language and through reading secondary sources in English or Italian languages the evolution of the cultural debate during the first half of the 20th century will be examined. By analyzing the Chinese literary production of the first half of the 20th century in its historical and political context, the course will examine and critically read various schools, authors and works which animated the debate concerning the creation of a modern Chinese literary canon. Along with the most important protagonists of the New Culture Movement (such as Lu Xun, Mao Dun, Ling Shuhua, Ding Ling) the course will take in consideration some writers who were considered “unorthodox” by literary critics during the 20th century (such as Lao She, Shen Congwen, Mu Shiying). It will explore what was the function and role assigned to literature by the various ‘voices’ who took part in the cultural debate at the beginning of the last century; the course will also analyze the most significant changes that occurred in literary genres (with particular attention to fiction and poetry). The course will be divided into 12 weeks, 4 hours of lesson for week, which will organized as follows: the first two will be dedicated to the presentation of the topic, through a frontal lecture, and the other two to reading and analyzing texts (short stories and poems), in these activities the active participation of students is require.

No particular prerequisites are necessary—just a passion for reading novels, poetry, and essays.

A History of Chinese Literature from late Qing Period To 1949 N. Pesaro, M. Pirazzoli, La Narrativa del Novecento, Roma, Carocci, 2019, parte I: Introduzione, cap. 1 (Lu Xun e la narrativa sociale), pp. 21-43, 48-56, 64-66 cap 2 (Il romanticismo e la Società creazione) pp. 67-81, 88-102, cap. III, pp. 103-115, 123-127, cap. IV Il senso della metropoli, pp. 135-154, cap. V Realismo e realismi, pp. 169-191, 204-210. In alternative students can ask for bibliographical material in english.

Attendance is not required.

Evaluation consists of an oral exam on topics covered during the course. Evaluation criteria will be: completeness of knowledge, use of suitable language to explain literary topics, ability to create connections between covered authors, literary trends and genres and their possible links to the Chinese canon. Top marks will be awarded to a student who is able to provide a full description of themes, works and authors and an overall understanding of the topics discussed during the lectures, combined with a critical approach to the literary material and who is able to use an appropriate terminology. Average marks will be awarded to a student who has memorized information and material discussed during the course and who explains them using a not completely appropriate terminology. For attending students the evaluation criteria will also take into account the active participation and critical contribution demonstrated during seminar activities.

Each student is required to choose either two novels or twelve short stories by authors studied during the course.

The course is lecture-based. Generally, the first two hours each week are dedicated to presenting the topic, and the following two hours are reserved for discussing and analyzing short stories and poems. Students will be required to read short stories and/or poems, which will then be discussed in class.