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College Course Syllabus Modern China through Film and CultureCourse number3 Bard credits Class meeting time(s): T, W, F 2:40-4:30Room Number : #312Ling-Ling ShihContact me via Jupiter Prof. Ling-Ling ShihOffice: Room Number 312Office Hours: M & Th 11:55 to 12:45 M 2:40-3:30 & W & 3:35 to 4:25Course DescriptionThis course explores 20th century China through a selection of internationally acclaimed films. Readings and documentaries about different periods of modern China will provide the historical narratives for these films. Related articles about the films will also be provided to enhance your understanding of the films. We will divide the century into three periods: 1) the May Fourth and Republican Era (1919-1949), 2) the Maoist Era (1949-1979), and 3) the Reform Era (1979-present). We will select prominent films for each era and use them to discuss larger social, political, or cultural topics of the time. We will examine, in particular, how these films explore women’s role, gender relations, family, cultural identity, relocation, and social migration, and how they represent or critique traditional, Republican, Maoist and post-Maoist Chinese culture. Students will learn to use and analyze film language, and to develop a critical understanding of Chinese society and culture through film. The course is conducted in English and combines class discussion and students’ presentations. Readings include English publications only.In some cases, the selected movies will be linked to literary works assigned for readings. All the background readings and literary works will be in English.Pre-requisites: None Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this course/seminar/practicum…, you will:Gain a better understanding of the Chinese history, society and culture in the 20th century.Learn how the dramatic social, cultural, political, and economic changes impact people’s lives, thinking, and artistic expressions. Explore major Chinese films and literature and understand them by examining their historical contexts and their stylistic characteristics.Course MaterialsBring a notebook and a pen to class.Required ReadingModern China: A History, second edition, by Edwin E. MoiseModern China: A Very Short IntroductionReadings will be distributed before we watch each film.Suggested or Further Reading and ResourcesExtra resources will be provided at my website, LearnChinesethroughFilmandLiterature. (accessible to the students of this course).SchedulePlease note that the following schedule may change to accommodate unexpected opportunities or unplanned events, as well as other needs.Course OrganizationEach film will be shown in class with English subtitles, followed by class discussion and presentations. A historical documentary (2 class sessions) will be shown for each historical period before watching films produced in this period or set in this historical background. For each period we will select three to four films. Each film will be followed by class discussion and presentations. You should finish reading all the assigned readings before you write your response paper, which in turn should be written soon after watching each film. You will email it to me and I will post your responses on my website. WkDateTopicPrior to class, finish reading…18/18 & 8/19Fri –Go over the syllabus28/22-8/26Republican Era (1911-1949) Tues: Watch Documentary: Republican Era: 1911-1949 (1st part) Wed: Watch Documentary: Republican Era: 1911-1949Fri: Family (2 hrs min)Tues: Ch. 2 “The Old Order and the New” from Modern China, by Rana Mitter (p. 17- p. 20).Weds: Finish Reading Ch. 3 “Making China Modern” p. 40-55, Modern China, by Rana MitterFri: Read the book “Family” 38/29-9/2T: Family (Finish the film)W: 1) Class Discussion on Family 2) Oral Presentations: Ruan Yuling’s other famous film, “Little Toys” (presented by Melitine) Her other film, “New Women” (presented by Melitine )F: “New Year’s Sacrifice” (1956) (1 hr. 34 min.)Tues: Read articles on “How to read film or write about film”Weds:Bring 1 Q for discussionResponse paper #1 on “Family” due Presenter:Melitine Fri: Reading: script on New year’s Sacrifice (1/2 of the script)49/5-9/9Mon—Labor Day (No School)Tues: “New Year’s Sacrifice” (1956) Weds: Class Discussion on “New Year’s Sacrifice”Oral Presentation Topics: May Fourth Movement (presented by Tashie)Author of “New Year Sacrifice, “Lu Xun” (presented by Emilio)Tues: Reading: script on New year’s Sacrifice (1/2 of the script)Wed: Bring 1 Q for discussionResponse paper #2 on “New Year’s Sacrifice” duePresenters: Tashi Emilio59/12-9/16(Thurs—Early dismissal)Tues: “Red Sorghum” (1 hr. 28 min.)Weds: “Red Sorghum”Fri: Class Discussion Oral Presentations:Nanjing Massacre and Japanese Occupation(Presented by Saki)The Communists vs. Guomindang during the Republican era(Presented by Mikki)Thurs: Readings from Mo Yan’s “Red Sorghum”Weds: Recommended Related article on Red Sorghum Fri:Bring 1 Q for discussionResponse Paper #3 on “Red Sorghum” duePresenters:SakiMikki69/19-9/23The Mao Period (1949-1976)Tues: Documentary: The Mao Period (1949-1976)Wed: Documentary: The Mao PeriodSocialist Realism:Fri: “Stage Sisters” (1965) (1 hr. 47 min.)Tues: Ch. 6 The People’s Republic of China (1949-1957) fr. Modern China by Edwin Moise (p. 114-128)Wed: finish Ch. 6 (p. 128-136)Fri: Ch. 7 The Great Leap and the Great Split from Modern China by Edwin Moise (p. 137-155 (at least half and read the rest over the weekend).79/26-9/30Tues: Stage Sisters Wed: Class DiscussionOral Presentations:The Director Xie Jin and “Xie Jin Pattern”The main points and influences of Mao’s Talks at the Yan'an Forum on Literature and ArtThe fifth Generation Director’s Cultural Reflection & Critique:History and Memory Fri: Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (2002) (1hr. 51 min.) Tues: “Two Stage Sisters” from Transnational Chinese Cinemas by Gina Marcheti (p. 59-80)Wed:Bring 1 Q for discussionResponse Paper #4 on “Stage sisters” duePresenter:___________________??Fri: Selected Reading from “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress.”810/3-10/7Tues: “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress” （Directed by Dai Sijie）Wed:Class DiscussionOral Presentations:Zhang Yimou and Chinese Fifth Generation Directors (Presented by David)Cultural Revolution (What is Red Guards, Leftists, Little Red Book) (Presented by Saki)Fri: Tian Zhuang Zhuang“Blue Kite” (2 hr. 19 min)Tues: Reading: Ch. 8 The Cultural Revolution (p. 156-185)Wed: Bring 1 Q to class for discussion.Response Paper #5 on “Balzac…” duePresenters:DavidSaki910/10-10/14Mon: Teacher PD Day (No Students)Tues: “Blue Kite” Wed: finish “Blue kite” (Directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang)Fri: Class DiscussionOral Presentations:Director Tian Zhuangzhuang and “Blue Kite”[More will be updated about the reading assignments and oral presentations below]Fri: ?Bring 1 Q to class for discussion.?Response Paper #6 on “Blue Kite…” due?Presenter:_____________________________??1010/17-10/21 Wed: PSAT TestingTh Parent-Teacher Conf. (No class)Tues: Chen Kaige “Fairwell My Concubine” (1993) (about 3 hours)Wed: Fairwell My ConcubineFri: Fairwell My ConcubineTues & Wed: Reading: An Interview with Chen Kaige (only a couple of pages)Reading Formation and Chen Kaige’s Farewell My Concubine” from Transnational Chinese Cinema, p. 265-2751110/24-10/28Tues: Class DiscussionPresentations:Opera artist, Mei Lanfang(presented by Emilio)Destroy the Four Olds (The campaigns of the Cultural Revolution)(presented by Mikki) Post-Mao Era (1979-Present)Wed: Documentary on China: A Century of Revolution 1976-1994) (Post-Mao Era)aFri: Documentary on China: Finish the documentTues: ?Bring 1 Q to class for discussion.?Response Paper # 7 on Farewell My Concubine due?Presenters:EmilioMikkiWed-Fri Reading: Ch. 9. The post-Mao reforms (from Modern China, A History, 2nd Edition By Edwin MoiseSupplementary Reading: Ch 10. The limits of reform. (given upon request)1210/31-11/4Demolition, Relocation and Social Change after Economic Reform Tues: “Shower” (1999) (1 hr. 32 min.)Wed: “Shower” Fri:Class DiscussionSuggested Topics for Oral Presentation:Deng Xiaoping and Economic Reform (Presented by Mel)Relocation and UrbanizationEnvironmental and Social Issues of the Three Gorges Dam in China(Presented by David)Tues & Wed Info about this Readings will be provided later.Fri: ?Bring 1 Q to class for discussion.?Response Paper #8 on “Shower” due? Presenter:MelDavid1311/7-11/11Tues: Teacher Prof. Dev. Day (No Students)Migration and its impact on familyWed: Last Train Home (2010) (1 hr. 27min.)Fri: Veterans Day (No School)Info about readings will be provided later1411/14-11/18Tues: Last Train HomeWed: Class discussionOral Presentation:The impact of Labor migration on Chinese Family in the country sidesCultural IdentityFri: “Comrades: Almost a Lover” (1 hr. 56 min.) Wed: ?Bring 1 Q to class for discussion.?Response Paper #9 due?Presenter: __________________Fri: Reading: Rey Chow, “By Way of Mass Commodities: Love in Comrades, Almost a Love Story,” in her Sentimental Fabulations, Contemporary Chinese Films: Attachment in the Age of Global Visibility (New York: Columbia University Press 2007), 105-20. 1511/21-11/25Tues: Comrades: Almost a Love Story (finish the last 20 min. the last part at home and followed by discussion)Weds-Fri: Thanksgiving Break1611/28-12/2Non-mainland Chinese MoviesTues: Eat Drink Man and Woman (1994) (2 hr. 4 min)Wed: Eat Drink Man and WomanFri: Finish the last 24 min., followed by a class discussion.Tues: ?Response Paper # 10 on Almost a Love Story dueW & Fri:Readings will be given for this movie1712/5-12/9Tues: Class discussion Presentations: (Films by Taiwanese directors)Taiwanese Director An Li and his film(s)(presented by Mel)Hou Xiao Xian & “City of Sadness”(presented by Saki)Martial Arts MoviesWed: “Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon” (2 hrs)Fri: “Crouching Tiger and Hidden DragonTues: ?Bring 1 Q to class for discussion.?Response Paper #11 on “Eat Drink Man and Woman” due?Presenters:MelSaki1812/12-12/16Tues: “Hero” (1 hr. 39 min)Wed: “Hero”Fri: Class DiscussionPresentation: The history of Martial Arts Films(presented by Tashi)Tues: Reading: Zhang Yimou’s Hero: Reclaiming the Martial Arts Film for “All Under Heaven.” (Read half)Wed: Reading: Read the other half of the previous article.Fri: ?Bring 1 Q to class for discussion.?Response Paper #12 (A comparative Paper of the two martial arts films we watched) due?Presenter:Tashi1912/19-12/2319th WK： Project due and Final ExamFinal Week & Presentation Week T-F: Final Exam期末考 (No final exam for this class)Group Presentation on the final exam day:Wed.: the individual paper due Fri: The End of Fall SemesterEnd of 2nd Marking PeriodPresentations of your group projectDetails about the project will be given early in the semester.2012/26-1/9 Winter Break1/9 Teacher PD Day (No Students)1/10 First Day of Spring Semester Class Evaluation You will be assessed on the following:Class participation: 10% (Students should bring at least one to two questions for discussion)Response papers: 40% (at least 2 pages)2 Individual presentation (10 min.): 10%1 Group presentation (10 min. for each member) 10%Individual paper 20% (At least 5 pages)**Every student will submit a paper on a topic related to the film analyzed by the group. The paper should present an argument that incorporates analysis of relevant readings along with a filmic analysis, but may focus on historical, literary, or cinematic issues. Topics must be cleared with the instructors in advance.Paper and presentations will be evaluated according to the following criteria:Clarity and depth of analysis of thematic and filmic elementsDegree of incorporation of insights from readings.Attempts to draw comparisons with other films we have watched.Awareness of historical context and its effects on the filmmaker and his/her presentation of the subject matter.Effective use of illustrative clips/sections in the films.Grading Scale The college-level grading scale uses letter grades instead of numbers and follows the Bard College grading scale: A Equivalent to 4.0 or 100-94A- Equivalent to 3.7 or 93-90B+ Equivalent to 3.3 or 89-87B Equivalent to 3.0 or 86-84B- Equivalent to 2.7 or 83-80 C+ Equivalent to 2.3 or 79-77C Equivalent to 2.0 or 76-74C- Equivalent to 1.7 or 73-70D Equivalent 1.0 or 69-64F Equivalent 0 or 63 and belowW: For college students only. For students who withdrew from the course by the appropriate deadline. Expectations and PoliciesAssignments and Evaluation 1. Class participation: 10% Anticipated absence should be cleared with the instructors; unexcused absences will affect the course grade. More than two absences will have an impact on the final grade. Be prepared to discuss the week’s film and readings, and turn in on time all written assignments. It is important for all students to engage new material, approaches, & interpretations, to share your opinions and pay attention to what other students are sharing.2. Response papers: 40% You will submit a short written paper which attempts to analyze the film you watch, critique some aspect of the film, and bring some insights you gain from your readings into your analysis. These papers will be shared with the other students before class, and provide a starting point for class discussion. They should be mailed as an attached file (NOT COMPOSED IN E-MAIL!) to Ms. Ling-Ling via her email: llshih@. It should be emailed to her by midnight before the day we discuss the movie. She will put them up on the web site for the course, where they can be read or printed out by everyone in the class. In addition you should bring a printed copy to class. The papers will be evaluated and returned. Format: The response paper should be printed, not hand-written, using a regular font size 12, double spaced, at least 2 pages long.On my website, there is a page on "How to "Read" a film and write about a film?" It may be helpful to read before you write a response paper to a film. 3. Individual Presentations: 10%There are related topics for each movie we watch, which students will make 10 min. individual presentations. Students who are presenting are not required to hand in a response paper that week. Their presentation, in a sense, stands in for the paper. Because of the small size of this class, each student will make at least two individual presentations. 3 Group presentations: 10%3.1 A good presentation will take more than a week to prepare. Group members should meet together to discuss the film, decide which themes to analyze, what kind of clips to make, and how to distribute the presentation of the analysis among group members. 3.2. Each member of the group should participate actively and independently in the presentation, i.e., contribute a distinct segment of the overall analysis. No one may simply be responsible for just technical work. 3.3. Group members should meet together as often as necessary and at least twice after their initial viewing of the film. They should be fully aware of each other’s contribution to the analysis, and if possible, attempt to develop coordinating or deliberately contrastive modes of analysis, i.e., work collaboratively even as you prepare to present individually. 3.4. The readings should be incorporated into the analysis by each member, as appropriate. 3.5. Presentations should be SPOKEN, not READ.4. Individual paper: 20% Every student will submit a final paper, at least five pages long, on a topic related to the film analyzed by the group. The paper should present an argument that incorporates analysis of relevant readings along with a filmic analysis, but may focus on historical, literary, or cinematic issues. Topics must be cleared with the instructors in advance.Format for the individual paper: printed, font size 12, double-spaced, at least five pages long.Academic integrity. All work at BHSEC Cleveland must be original, used for only one class, and be written by the student being given credit. All work must correctly attribute all citations and sources. Failure to adhere to these standards will results in a zero for the assignment. Subsequent instances of plagiarism will result in an automatic “F” in the class. Please refer to the BHSEC Cleveland Student Contract for the full academic honesty policy for additional details. Academic SupportIf you need academic support, including extra help with assignments, tutoring or office hour help, please ask. Here is a selection of Films I recommend for your group presentations:Republican Era (1911-1949):A girl from Hunan (Xiang Nu Xiaoxiao) (99 min.)—historical setting: at the turn of centuryTea HouseRickshaw Boy or Camel Xiangzi (book written in 1937; movie filmed in 1986)Mao Era (1949-1979)Crows and Sparrows (1949)—111 min. White Hair Girl (Bai Mao Nu): We can rent this one with ** (Eng. Script available on line)In the Heat of the Sun (1994) 128 min. Yellow Earth Post-Mao Era (Reform Era) (Post 1979)Still (2006)Not One Less (1999)Go La La Go! (2010) 90 min.Pushing Hands ................
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