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

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be familiar with 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 literary and cultural knowledge and skills, as well as applying them to other specific literary texts.

Course contents

The course aims to provide the foundations of premodern Chinese literature, covering the period from the Warring States era to the fall of the Empire. Students will explore the origins and development of literature within the cultural and social contexts of the different phases of Chinese history, and will have the opportunity to engage with various literary genres (poetry, essay, short story, novel, etc.).

The course will be divided into two parts. The first part will focus on the history of literature and will cover the following topics: ancient Chinese literature, Han dynasty literature, Tang dynasty literature, literature of the Five Dynasties period, Yuan dynasty literature, and Ming and Qing dynasty literature. The second part will be devoted to the critical reading and analysis of the great classical novels: Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, The Plum in the Golden Vase or The Golden Lotus (Jing Ping Mei), Journey to the West and Dream of the Red Chamber or The Story of the Stone.

The texts, available in Italian or English translation, will be read and discussed in class.

 

Readings/Bibliography

📚 Required Texts / Testi obbligatori

• G. Bertuccioli, Chinese Literature (ed. F. Casalin), Rome: L’asino d’oro, 2013.
  → G. Bertuccioli, La letteratura cinese (a cura di F. Casalin), Roma: L’asino d’oro, 2013.

• W. Idema and L. Haft, Chinese Literature (ed. M. Ceresa), Venice: Cafoscarina, 2000.
  → W. Idema e L. Haft, Letteratura cinese (a cura di M. Ceresa), Venezia: Cafoscarina, 2000.

📖 Novels / Romanzi

• Luo Guanzhong, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms (trans. He Yun, J. Ramsay), London: Penguin, 2018.
  → Luo Guanzhong, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms (trad. He Yun, J. Ramsay), London: Penguin, 2018.

• The Golden Lotus (Jin Ping Mei) (trans. C. Egerton, rev. Shu Qingchun), Tokyo–Rutland–Singapore: Tuttle, 2023.
  → Golden Lotus (trad. C. Egerton, Shu Qingchun), Tokyo, Rutland e Singapore: Tuttle, 2023.

• Wu Ch’eng-en, Monkey (trans. A. Waley; Italian edition trans. A. Motti), Milan: Adelphi, 1971.
  → Wu Ch’eng-en, Lo scimmiotto (trad. A. Motti), Milano: Adelphi, 1971.

• Shi Nai’an, Luo Guanzhong, Water Margin (Shuihu zhuan) (trans. S. Balduzzi), Milan: Luni, 2015.
  → Shi Nai’an, Luo Guanzhong, In riva all’acqua (trad. S. Balduzzi), Milano: Luni, 2015.

• Ts’ao Hsüeh-ch’in, Dream of the Red Chamber (The Story of the Stone) (trans. E. Masi), Milan: Rizzoli, 2008.
  → Ts’ao Hsüe-ch’in, Il sogno della camera rossa (trad. E. Masi), Milano: Rizzoli, 2008.

Teaching methods

During the course, lectures will alternate with classroom activities that will engage students in the analysis and discussion of selected texts. Active student participation in the reading and interpretation of the assigned materials will be encouraged through group work, case study analysis, and in-class exercises.

Assessment methods

Role of class attendance
Attendance is strongly recommended, as it provides students with essential methodological and interpretative tools for understanding the texts. Moreover, it facilitates active participation through discussions, exercises, and group work. Regular attendance significantly contributes both to the learning process and to the achievement of the expected evaluation outcomes.

Examination
Assessment will take place through an oral examination, designed to verify not only the acquisition of knowledge but also the development of skills, in accordance with the intended learning outcomes:

• ability to present and articulate ideas clearly;

• ability to critically interpret literary texts;

• interdisciplinary competences (connections with history, art, philosophy, etc.).

Assessment criteria and grading scale
The oral examination aims to verify the student’s ability to apply their knowledge and to establish logical and deductive connections. Evaluation will follow the criteria below:

• 18–19: preparation limited to very few topics covered in the course; analytical skills emerge only with the help of the examiner; overall correct use of language;

• 20–24: preparation limited to a restricted number of topics; ability to analyse independently only on purely descriptive issues; correct use of language;

• 25–29: preparation covering a broad range of topics; ability to make autonomous choices in critical analysis; solid command of disciplinary terminology;

• 30–30L (cum laude): comprehensive preparation on all topics; ability to make autonomous and original critical and interdisciplinary connections; full mastery of disciplinary terminology; excellent argumentative and self-reflective skills.

Teaching tools

Computer, PowerPoint presentations, "Virtual" platform, digital materials (videos, audio, texts).

Office hours

See the website of Marta Rosa Bisceglia