This advanced level course utilizes Chinese films as authentic texts to enhance students’ language learning skills as well as to broaden their knowledge in Chinese culture, philosophy, history, and society. 9 films are carefully selected, and include a variety of genres: urban melodrama, martial arts film, historical epic, costume drama, comedy, red classics, and science fiction. The topics include Chinese folk legend of the butterfly lovers of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the three Song Sisters’ extraordinary lives and their strong influence on modern China, Master Yip Man’s life during the Sino-Japanese war, the multiple perspectives of Cultural Revolution, the revolutionary canon of White Haired Girl and its post-socialist consumption, the changing family (father-son) relationship and the issue of traditional culture in contemporary China, China’s vision of the planet’s future in recent sci-fi blockbusters, and last but not least, Bruce Lee’s legacy and Stephen Chow’s martial arts comedies. 

The pace is about three classes per film. Regular attendance is absolutely required. Three unexcused absences will automatically lower one level of your grade. You are responsible for devoting 1-2 hours of study outside of class for each hour in class.