This course aims to explore feminine and feminist endeavors in literature, culture and politics in modern and contemporary China. We will read, perform, debate and analyze together the literature, films, documentaries, interviews and political texts created by Chinese women in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Does so-called Chinese feminism exist and how does it project and differ from feminist movements elsewhere? What distinct ideas have Chinese women put forward to liberate themselves from oppression of the patriarchy, state, and capitalism? How do Chinese women experience revolutions, wars, socialist campaigns and rapid economic liberalization? How did they turn these gendered experiences into unique sources of artistic creations? What are the latest cultural and artistic forms adopted by Chinese women to voice their contemplation and longing? We begin by tracing the birth of Chinese feminism in relation to anarchist movements in the late Qing Dynasty, as well as women’s writings in the May Fourth Movement and later their conversion to communism. We will then use a collection of writings and materials to explore contemporary Chinese women’s creation of LITERATURE, ART and ACTIVISM throughout the Cultural Revolution and the reform era.
We will read both texts in Chinese and English. The course consists of 12 lectures and a variety of inclass exercises such as student theatre, collaborative translation, debate, and close text-reading. In spring 2021, we are also honored to have three guest speakers, Regina Kanyu Wang and Whiskey Chow to discuss on science fiction writing and queer performance with us.