ML 324 - Representations of Women in Premodern Chinese Literature

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: EN 101 , one HS 100-level course, and WR 100 or WR 101. Examines the different ways women are portrayed in premodern Chinese literature, varying from instruments for male expression, to objects of the male gaze, to individuals with their own thoughts. By comparing representations of women by both male and female writers, students are able to trace the overall evolution of the female figure in this literature and to analyze how the speaker's gender influences the conception of this figure. Through an analysis of the historical and social context of each work, students can explore more concretely the relationship between gender and political power. Attention is also paid to the way class and regional differences influence the images of women. Readings are in English. IA/IG/IM