Fitchburg State College
Center for Professional Studies
Spring 2008

Asian Literature
(Graduate Credit and PDP Sections)
1/15/08 – 4/29/08; Tuesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Fitchburg State College, McKay C188

Course Description: This course will explore several contemporary literary works of China and Japan, citing them within their cultural and historical contexts. We will begin with an introductory overview of folktales, Taoist and Zen Buddhist poetry, and the Confucian Analects, then examine the differing responses of these two ancient cultures to the modern challenge of western civilization. Through books such as Mishima’s Spring Snow, Yu Hua’s To Live, Ishiguro’s When We Were Orphans, and Dai Sijie’s Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, we will explore such topics as views of nature and human nature; the gods; identity and family; tradition and innovation; and authenticity. An optional self-guided trip to the Museum of Fine Arts will enable students to find links between literature and art. There are no prerequisites for this course.