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A total of 4 courses have been found.
Reading of Chinese literature concerning ghosts, marvels, and supernatural from the first millennium B.C.E. through the 1800s; readings analyzed against changing historical and religious contexts. Taught in English.

IF THIS COURSE IS CLOSED, PLEASE GET ON THE WAITLIST. Additional seats are likely to open up at the beginning of the semester. Contact the instructor newellann-vanauken@uiowa.edu with any questions.

Although talk of ghosts and the supernatural was discouraged by Confucius, tales of the dead and their doings abound from earliest times. What is a ghost in traditional Chinese culture? Where do ghosts live? What is the underworld like? How (and why) do ghosts interact with people? Are they friends, lovers, enemies, or simply indifferent? Who is more powerful, humans or ghosts? This course introduces a variety of Chinese ghost stories and tales of the weird from ancient times to 1800. The earliest ones are presented as historical accounts, often intended to teach moral lessons, while the latest are pure fiction, intended to be read for pleasure and entertainment. We will consider questions related to literary form and intent: what is history, what is fiction, and how permeable is the boundary between the real and the fantastic?

The major writing assignments for this course will be creative: students will select and rewrite two of the ghost stories we read, perhaps updating the setting to modern times or moving the story from China to Iowa, changing the ending or other plot elements, transforming or adding characters, making a scary story campy or fun, or giving a happy story a tragic ending or vice versa, and write an essay discussing the changes. Other assignments include frequent in-class writing, brief reading response essays, quizzes/reading checks, regular attendance and enthusiastic class participation. This is a discussion-based course and attendance is required.

 

 

Interpretation of Literature
Development of skills in literary interpretation through study of ancient Greek and Roman literature in translation; students read dramatic and nondramatic poetry, fictional and nonfictional prose, non-Greco-Roman literature of ancient Mediterranean, and classical reception; 8th century B.C.E. to 4th century C.E. Interpretation of Literature
Ways of reading; focus on reader, text, contexts; poetry, short fiction, drama, novels.

Format: Interpretation of Literature is a small-enrollment class.  Students can expect mini-lectures from the instructor, but most class sessions will focus on discussion of reading material either as a full class or in smaller groups.  Assignments: Students can expect to read six full-length texts in at least three different literary genres as well as shorter pieces of literature. Reading comprehension quizzes or tests will be given, although a final exam is rare.  Written work will include formal, informal, analytical and creative projects comprising some 15-20 pages total. At the semester’s end students will collect this written work into an electronic portfolio and write a reflection on the arc of their work across the semester. 

Please note that students cannot add an Interpretation of Literature course or change Interpretation of Literature sections after 4:30 p.m. on the first Friday of the semester.

 

Requirements: Students must complete all of their required ESL courses with a grade of C or higher before enrolling in ENGL:1200.

Interpretation of Literature
Development of skills in reading, understanding, and critically engaging with literary texts, and of research skills for informed inquiry; sense of oneself as a situated reader; range of texts reflecting diversity of French and Francophone writers. Taught in English. Interpretation of Literature