Classical Chinese Literary Criticism (中国古代文学批评史)

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Classical Chinese Literary Criticism (中国古代文学批评史) (CHS305)

Synopsis

How did the ancient Chinese evaluate literary works? Who were the writers and which literary works were ancient Chinese critics interested in? What methods and criteria did ancient critics use to evaluate literature? What is the relationship between the history of ancient literary criticism and the history of ancient literature? What useful resources can ancient literary criticism provide for contemporary literary criticism? This course combines current research trends and introduces students to the content, methods and historical processes of ancient Chinese literary criticism, as well as works and viewpoints of selected literary critics. Through a critical reading of ancient texts, students will master the general knowledge of the history of ancient Chinese literary criticism, and improve their ability to study ancient Chinese literature.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN

Topics

Introduction
Pre-Qin Literary Criticism
Literary Criticism of the Han Dynasties
Literary criticism of Wei and Jin Dynasties
Literary criticism of Southern and Northern Dynasties
Sui and Tang Literary Criticism
Song Literary Criticism
Jin and Yuan Literary Criticism
Ming Dynasty Literary Criticism
Qing Dynasty Literary Criticism
Modern Literary Criticism
Conclusion

Learning Outcome

Examine the nature and development of ancient Chinese literary criticism
Distinguish the main perspectives of famous ancient Chinese literary critics
Illustrate the connotation, causes, characteristics and influence of important literary criticism theories
Analyze literary theoretical works from the aspects of society, culture and criticism
Appraise the basic theories, categories, propositions, and knowledge of ancient Chinese literary criticism
Apply the acquired knowledge to solve theoretical and practical problems in the process of reading classical text