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ChinaX Book Club

Five Authors, Five Books, Five Views of China

David Wang

How can literature and literary analysis allow us to understand the dynamics of contemporary China? ****

China’s historical and cultural transformations, and its imaginary and actual engagements in everyday life are vividly dramatized by five Chinese authors featured in this course. Taught by Harvard faculty member Professor David Wang, this course will employ the tools of close reading, discussion, and analysis to explore issues that concern the Chinese people, and ponder the power (and limitations) of literature in imagining China anew.

Featured Books and Authors ****

How can literature and literary analysis allow us to understand the dynamics of contemporary China? ****

Featured Books and Authors ****

China in 10 Words by Yu Hua (ISBN: 978-0-307-73979-7)
Red Sorghum: A Novel of China by Mo Yan (ISBN: 978-0-14-016854-9)
Lenin's Kisses by Yan Lianke (ISBN: 978-0-8021-2177-6)
Waiting by Ha Jin (ISBN: 978-0-375-70641-7)
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow by Wang Anyi (ISBN: 978-0231143431)

This course features interviews and discussions with the authors. More Information about each of these authors is available in the syllabus.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Survey the transformation of contemporary chinese literature through direct engagement with five books and author interviews
Explore contemporary china from a range of perspectives including politics, ethics, culture, and gender
Understand how literature (particularly in the context of china) can become a source of political intervention and articulate tensions between authoritarianism and individual freedom.

Develop your own approaches to modern literature, culture, and history via close reading, critical discussion, and analysis
Express ideas more clearly and confidently through the study of primary and secondary sources

Survey the transformation of contemporary chinese literature through direct engagement with five books and author interviews
Explore contemporary china from a range of perspectives including politics, ethics, culture, and gender
Understand how literature (particularly in the context of china) can become a source of political intervention and articulate tensions between authoritarianism and individual freedom.
Develop your own approaches to modern literature, culture, and history via close reading, critical discussion, and analysis
Express ideas more clearly and confidently through the study of primary and secondary sources

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Learns from Chinese literary authors on aspects of life in modern China

Covers various viewpoints on politics, ethics, culture, and gender in contemporary China

Course led by David Wang, a Harvard faculty member

Examines the potential of literature in facilitating political change and addressing the conflict between authoritarianism and personal freedom

Enhances critical reading, discussion, and analytical thinking regarding modern literature, culture, and history

Improves communication skills through examining primary and secondary sources

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ChinaX Book Club: Five Authors, Five Books, Five Views of China with these activities:

Review Chinese Literature Concepts

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Renew your understanding of Chinese literature and its history in preparation for this course.

Browse courses on Literature

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Survey the major periods of Chinese literature from the pre-Qin period to the present day.
Familiarize yourself with the key genres of Chinese literature, such as poetry, fiction, and drama.
Read a few representative works of Chinese literature, such as The Dream of the Red Chamber or Journey to the West.

Read China in 10 Words

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Explore the complexities of contemporary Chinese society through Yu Hua's insightful and thought-provoking essays.

View China in Ten Words: Essays on Amazon

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Read the book in its entirety, paying attention to the key themes and ideas presented by the author.
Take notes on the book's main arguments and supporting evidence.
Write a short summary of the book, highlighting its key insights and messages.

Join a Study Group

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Enhance your understanding of the course material and engage in critical discussions with peers by joining a study group.

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Find or create a study group with other students enrolled in the course.
Meet regularly to discuss the readings, assignments, and course concepts.
Engage in peer-led discussions and share insights with your group members.

Six other activities

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Analyze Chinese Literary Techniques

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Refine your analytical skills by practicing the identification and interpretation of literary techniques used in Chinese literature.

Browse courses on Chinese Literature

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Read a short passage from a Chinese literary work.
Identify the literary techniques used in the passage.
Analyze how these techniques contribute to the meaning and impact of the passage.

Attend a Chinese Literature Conference

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Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Chinese literature by attending a conference where you can engage with renowned scholars and fellow enthusiasts.

Browse courses on Chinese Literature

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Identify and register for a relevant Chinese literature conference.
Prepare for the conference by researching the speakers and topics.
Attend the conference, actively participate in sessions, and network with other attendees.

Write a Blog Post on a Chinese Author

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Deepen your understanding of the authors featured in the course by creating a blog post that analyzes their work and its impact on Chinese literature.

Browse courses on Chinese Literature

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Choose a Chinese author featured in the course.
Read and analyze several of their works.
Write a blog post that discusses the author's style, themes, and impact on Chinese literature.

Seek Guidance from a Chinese Literature Expert

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Accelerate your learning and gain valuable insights by seeking mentorship from a professional in the field of Chinese literature.

Browse courses on Chinese Literature

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Identify a potential mentor who has expertise in the areas of Chinese literature that interest you.
Reach out to the mentor and express your interest in mentorship.
Establish a regular meeting schedule and discuss your progress, challenges, and aspirations.

Contribute to an Open Access Journal

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Engage with the broader academic community and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge by submitting a research paper or article to an open access journal.

Browse courses on Chinese Literature

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Identify an open access journal that publishes research in the field of Chinese literature.
Conduct original research and write a paper that meets the journal's submission guidelines.
Submit your paper to the journal for review and potential publication.

Develop a Literary Resource Guide

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Consolidate your knowledge and assist future learners by compiling a comprehensive guide to resources related to Chinese literature.

Browse courses on Chinese Literature

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Gather and organize a wide range of resources, including books, articles, websites, and databases.
Annotate the resources with brief descriptions and evaluations.
Create a user-friendly and accessible guide for students and researchers interested in Chinese literature.

Career center

Learners who complete ChinaX Book Club: Five Authors, Five Books, Five Views of China will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Economist

An Economist studies how societies allocate resources. This course provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in this field. The course also helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in economics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Diplomat

A Diplomat represents a country's interests in foreign countries. This course provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in this field. The course also helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in diplomacy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

Sociologist

A Sociologist studies the development, structure, and functioning of human society. This course provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in this field. The course also helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in sociology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Political Scientist

A Political Scientist studies the origins, development, and operation of political systems. This course provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in this field. The course also helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in political science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Author

An Author plans, writes, edits, and publishes books, articles, and other written works. This course provides an opportunity to learn from some of the most successful authors in China, and to gain insights into the Chinese literary landscape. The course also helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Author

Professor

A Professor plans, assigns, and teaches courses; conducts research; and provides service to the institution and the community. This course helps build a foundation in the history and culture of China, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to teach in this field. The course also provides an opportunity to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in academia.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Historian

A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. This course provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in this field. The course also helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Journalist

A Journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. This course provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to report on this country. The course also helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in journalism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Analyst

An Analyst gathers, analyzes, and interprets data in order to inform decision-making. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to do analysis on Chinese literature or culture. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Analyst

Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur starts and manages a business or organization. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to start a business in China. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Teacher

A Teacher plans, assigns, and teaches courses; conducts research; and provides service to the institution and the community. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to teach Chinese literature or culture. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research and analyzes data in order to answer questions or solve problems. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to do research on Chinese literature or culture. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Nonprofit Executive

A Nonprofit Executive manages a nonprofit organization. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to manage a nonprofit organization in China. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

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Manager

A Manager plans, organizes, directs, and controls the operations of an organization or department. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to manage a team or organization in China. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to clients. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to consult on Chinese literature or culture. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of China, and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in ChinaX Book Club: Five Authors, Five Books, Five Views of China.

A View from the Stars

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Science fiction novel that explores the possibility of a new form of energy.

ChinaX Book Club

Five Authors, Five Books, Five Views of China

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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