This course examines the artistic and cultural developments of Chinese poetic tradition through varied literary genres( poem, drama and fiction) and artistic mediums (paintings, calligraphy, music, and landscape design). Through a close study of the important Chinese literary and artistic works, represented by famous poets and artists, students will be able to understand key facets of traditional Chinese culture. No prior background in Chinese literature or Chinese literary theory is required!
All readings are in English translation. No previous knowledge of Chinese literature or the Chinese language is required.
Learning Objectives
1. Describe the historical development and the primary characteristics of Chinese lyrical aesthetics.
2. Identify the lyricism in varied artistic mediums and the literary genres.
3. Apply the knowledge of the Chinese lyrical aesthetics to analyze specific examples of pre-modern Chinese literary and artistic works.
4. Design an original artistic works, employing the characteristic of lyricism learned in this class.
Measurable Outcomes
1. Describe and analysis, in a short paper (2,000 words), the lyrical aesthetics in one pre-modern Chinese literary or artistic work.
2. Design a “Lyrical Home” based on the knowledge you learned from the class and though discussions.
3. Write a short paper (no word limit) that explains in detail how the design project expresses your personal experiences and feelings.
Course Requirements
| Assessment | Percentage |
| WEC – Class Participation | 20 |
| WEC – Oral Presentation | 10 |
| WEC – Mid-term Assignment | 40 |
| WEC – Final Assignment | 30 |
Course Outline
Week 1: An introduction to the origins of Chinese Lyrical tradition
Week 2: Qu Yuan and the birth of the Chinese lyrical Self
Week 3: Love and illusion in the Chinese Lyrical Tradition
Week 4: From Public to Private: Nineteenth Old Poems and aesthetic of Self-reflection
Week 5: Xie Ling Yun, Tao Yuan Ming, Wang Wei: Landscape as the space of Enlightenment and Self-expression
Week 6: From words to Images: Tang-Song-Yuan-Ming Landscape Painting and Lyrical Self-Expression
Field-trip 1: Singapore Arts Gallery and Asian Civilization Museum
Week 7: Recess
Week 8: Calligraphic Style and Poetry Handscrolls
Week 9: Ming Drama and Lyrical Tradition
Week 10: Lyrical complex and the rise of the Chinese novel
Week 11: Chinese Gardens as Preferred Setting for the Lyricized Life
Field-trip 2: Yu-hua Garden裕华园, Singapore
Week 12: Chinese Gardens as an Architectural Space for Aesthetic Transcendence
Week 13: The Lyrical Tradition and Chinese Modernity
Week 14: Conclusion: “Lyrical Home” Project and Essay 2 Due
Instructor
Zhao Zhenxing