World of China: Journey to the West

We are proud to announce that Dr. Amelia Ying Qin will be joing our department this Fall as a visiting Lecturer of Chinese Literature. She is coming to us from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Register now for a new twist on an old favorite.

Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30-10:45 am, A115 Public Health Building

3 credits

CHIN 1089: World of China: Journey to the West and Related Popular Culture Phenomena 

This course will examine the world of traditional Chinese culture, as well as its imagination and creativity, through one of the most famous Chinese novels—The Journey to the West. Chapters will be discussed within the social, historical and religious contexts of the Chinese culture. Students will analyze key concepts and beliefs of Buddhism and Daoism in the original story, explore various forms of popular culture adaptations, develop abilities of critical analyses of literary and cultural phenomena, and gain knowledge of both traditional and related popular culture. Readings, lectures and course work all in English. No foreign language prerequisite. 

 Monk Xuanzang crossing the Pamirs on his return trip from India.

Monk Xuanzang crossing the Pamirs on his return trip from India. 

Mural painting, high Tang Dynasty (ca. 8th century), the Mogao Grottoes (Cave 103), Dunhuang, China.  

Image ©The J. Paul Getty Trust. Photograph by Wu Jian, 1999