CHIN 235 China on Screen (Same as Comparative Literature 235) (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008)*

From short films shown in teahouses in the late 19th century to international blockbusters in the early 21st, Chinese films have served as an important medium for both the internal development of Chinese cultures and the presentation of those cultures to the world. In this course we will survey a wide range of works from socially progressive films of the 1930s and 1940s to the martial arts hits of the last decade. These will include not only films from mainland China, but from Hong Kong and Taiwan as well. We will use these films as a way to talk about such issues as visual culture, nationalism, technology, sexuality, social change, and the representation of China on the world stage. All readings are in English and all films are subtitled in English.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: one short paper (5-7 pages), one longer paper (10-12 pages), take-home midterm, and final exam. Participation in class discussions expected.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 30 (expected: 30). Preference to Asian Studies majors and then to juniors and seniors.

NUGENT