B2789 - Literature of Chinese-Speaking Countries (Second Language) I

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have knowledge of the basic elements of the literary culture of Chinese-speaking countries; will be able to identify them in specific literary texts; and will be capable of independently developing further higher-level cultural and literary knowledge and skills, as well as applying them to other specific literary texts.

Course contents

The course aims to provide a foundation in premodern Chinese literature, covering a time span from the Warring States period to the fall of the Qing Empire. Students will analyze the emergence and evolution of literature in relation to the cultural and social context of different periods in Chinese history. Representative texts from various literary genres, including poetry, essays, short stories, and novels, will be studied.

The course program is divided into two parts:

History of Literature

The first part will focus on the history of Chinese literature, covering the following periods and key topics:

• Literature of Ancient China
• Literature of the Han Dynasty
• Literature of the Tang Dynasty
• Literature of the Five Dynasties period
• Literature of the Yuan Dynasty
• Literature of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Critical Analysis and Reading of Classical Novels

The second part of the course will be dedicated to critical reading and commentary on the great novels of the Chinese tradition:

• The Romance of the Three Kingdoms
• Water Margin
• Jin Ping Mei (The Plum in the Golden Vase)
• Journey to the West
• The Dream of the Red Chamber

The texts, available in Italian or English translation, will be read and analyzed collectively during lessons to develop critical reading and interpretative skills.

Readings/Bibliography

Required Text:

• G. Bertuccioli, La letteratura cinese (edited by F. Casalin), Rome: L’Asino d’Oro, 2013.

Recommended Texts:

• W. Idema and L. Haft, Letteratura cinese (edited by M. Ceresa), Venice: Cafoscarina, 2000.
• Luo Guanzhong, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms (trans. He Yun, J. Ramsay), London: Penguin, 2018.
• Golden Lotus (trans. C. Egerton, Shu Qingchun), Tokyo, Rutland, and Singapore: Tuttle, 2023.
• Wu Ch’eng-en, Lo scimmiotto (trans. A. Motti), Milan: Adelphi, 1971.
• Shi Nai’an, Luo Guanzhong, In riva all’acqua (trans. S. Balduzzi), Milan: Luni, 2015.
• Ts’ao Hsüe-ch’in, Il sogno della camera rossa (trans. E. Masi), Milan: Rizzoli, 2008.

Teaching methods

The first part of the course will consist mainly of traditional lectures, while in the second part, active student participation will be encouraged during the reading and analysis of the assigned texts.

Assessment methods

The final exam will consist of an oral test assessing the knowledge acquired during the course.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations and PDFs will be provided by the Professor.

Office hours

See the website of Marta Rosa Bisceglia