Fantastic Bodies: Contemplations of the (Super-) Human in Classical Chinese

(Li Xi, “Zhuangzi Dreaming He’s a Butterfly,” 2008)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course combines the traditional aims of classical Chinese pedagogy with a historical and theoretical engagement of ancient texts that make them stimulating objects worthy of our attention and study. In Fantastic Bodies, we will acquire the necessary knowledge of classical Chinese grammatical components and vocabulary that will make it possible for us to understand, translate and engage ancient poetic, philosophical, medical and historical texts on way to exploring the nature and function of discourses and debates concerning the human body in ancient China. The corpus defining the parameters of our exploration of Chinese bodies will include The Classic of Poetry, The Analects, Mozi, The Songs of Chu, The Art of War, Zhuangzi, Liezi, Shiji, the Classic of the Soul’s Center, and others. By way of our in- and out-of-class assignments and discussions, we will gain the ability to execute more accurately, confidently and fluently readings of classical texts as well as to discuss the pressing cultural matters that occupy their pages.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

(1) To increase our specific and general knowledge of classical Chinese language, literature and culture;

(2) To enhance our understanding of key grammatical components of classical Chinese;

(3) To broaden our vocabulary of ancient Chinese words;

(4) To hone our ability to translate accurately and interestingly into English ancient Chinese materials;

(5) To develop our ability to offer clearly and cogently studied opinions on philosophical and cultural questions in a formal setting.

SCHEDULE
*The instructor withholds the right to adjust the syllabus at any time.

Topic Text Grammatical Focus

Beauty

Unit 1 “關雎,” 詩經 (“Guanju,” Shijing) 之

Unit 2 “桃夭,” 詩經 (“Tao yao,” Shijing) 其，于

Unit 3 “摽有梅,” 詩經 (“Pao you mei,” Shijing) 兮

Unit 4 “野有死麕,” 詩經 (“Ye you si jun,” Shijing) 無，而

*Recitation I due

Moderation

Unit 5 “為政,”論語 (“Wei zheng,”Lunyu） 以，何

Unit 6 “里仁,” 論語 (“Li ren,” Lunyu) 者，也

Unit 7 “辭過,”墨子 (“Ci guo,” Mozi) 是

Unit 8 “梁惠王上,” 孟子 (“Liang Hui Wang,” Mengzi) 焉，乎

Unit 9 “盡心下,” 孟子 (“Jin xin xia,” Mengzi) 所，非

*Critical Translation I due

Languishment

Unit 10 “終風,” 詩經 (“Guanju,” Shijing) 則, 莫

Unit 11 “山鬼,” 楚辭 (“Shan gui,” Chuci) 得

Unit 12 “離騷,” 楚辭 (“Li sao,” Chuci) 為，亦

*Recitation II due

Pain

Unit 13 “兼愛中,” 墨子 (“Jian’ai zhong,” Mozi) 然, 夫

Unit 14 “弱民,” 商君書 (“Ruo min,” Shang jun shu) 故

Unit 15 “行軍,” 兵法 (“Xing jun,” Binfa) 勿, 凡

Unit 16 “五邪,” 靈樞經 (“Wu xie,” Ling shu jing) 乃, 若

Unit 17 “廉頗藺相如列傳,” 史記 (“Lin Xiangru,” Shiji) 矣, 皆

*Critical Translation II due

Transcendence

Unit 18 “黃帝,” 列子 (“Huang di,”Liezi) 已, 如

Unit 19 “湯問,” 列子 (“Pang wen,” Liezi) 惟

Unit 20 “養生主,” 莊子 (“Yang sheng zhu,” Zhuangzi) 哉, 時

Unit 21 “達生,” 莊子 (“Da sheng,” Zhuangzi) 奚, 將

*Final

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

(1) ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION (40%): Role will be taken at the beginning of every session. This class requires daily preparation and exposition of classical texts as well as participation in in-class discussions and assignments. In order to maximize these points, students must regularly attend, be prepared and be actively involved in the day’s activities.

(2) IN-CLASS RECITATIONS (10% EACH, 20% TOTAL): As a time-tested method of fostering appreciation for a text and increasing our capacities of memory to progress in our classical studies, this course will require students to recite two short passages in front of their peers. Extra points will be given for stylistics.

(3) CRITICAL TRANSLATIONS (10% EACH, 20% TOTAL): Twice during the semester, a critical, annotated translation of a classical text will be submitted to the instructor. The translation will include: (1) the original Chinese text with a literal interlinear English translation; (2) a stylized, interpretative English translation; (3) a critical exposition of the material; and (4) an end-note apparatus defining all relevant grammatical structures, words and consulted secondary sources.

(3) FINAL (20% TOTAL): The final will require students to select a classical passage of their choice that addresses the course’s theme, and recite and expound upon its content to the class (~20minutes).