Introduction to Masterpieces of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature

Author: Qian Liqun, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: A Guide to Masterpieces of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature is a selective course for undergraduate students majoring in Chinese Language and Literature in the humanities. It is classified as a provincially managed course. The examination is administered by supporting teachers from Guangdong Radio and Television University. This course uses A Guide to Masterpieces of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature, edited by Qian Liqun, as its primary textbook. Literary history is not the focus of this course but is a prerequisite for mastering it. In other words, it builds upon courses such as Modern Chinese Literature, Contemporary Chinese Literature, Foreign Literature, Introduction to Literature, and Topics in Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature and Topics in 20th-Century Foreign Literature at the undergraduate level. The emphasis is on enhancing students' ability to appreciate and analyze literary works and providing aesthetic education. If students major in non-Chinese departments at the junior college level, they must supplement their studies with relevant courses, otherwise, it will be difficult for them to excel in this course. This course highlights two key components:
First is "Reading":
1. Focus primarily on reading the selected texts in the textbook and, according to the textbook’s guidance, read the entire book, the works of the authors, and as much as possible.
2. During the first reading, do not consult any reference materials. Read the original text directly, using your own heart to perceive, and pay special attention to cherishing the impressions you gain from your reading. After repeated independent readings and forming some personal insights, then turn to necessary reference materials to inspire your thinking and broaden your reading horizons.
3. During the initial reading, focus on gaining a holistic understanding and grasp of the work; then, based on this foundation, conduct close reading of the text (or parts of it), carefully analyzing the author’s language and writing style.
4. Not only should you read silently but also be encouraged to "read aloud" to capture the emotions and rhythms of the work. If possible, some poems and short essays are best memorized. On the basis of extensive reading, you should also "write more"—one must diligently take "reading notes" and cultivate the habit of "writing after every reading." The format of reading notes is free: reflections after reading, analysis of excerpts, proposing different perspectives, or copying excellent phrases and sentences from the selected texts. With the right conditions and interest, you can even engage in imitative or creative writing.
A Guide to Masterpieces of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature studies the masterpieces in the history of modern and contemporary Chinese literature, thus involving a wide range of literary phenomena. Learning about masterpieces of modern and contemporary Chinese literature requires familiarity with a sufficient number of authors and works, as well as basic literary knowledge, and familiarity with the current state of literary research.