Special topics on Literature and Culture of Space
Course: Special topics on Literature and Culture of Space
Institute of Chinese Literature; one semester, 2 unit of study
Course outlines:
Issue of the time and the space have been the central two pivots in analyzing
the meaning of human existence, however, in the history of modern western
thoughts, “space” has often been simplified as the exterior space for the
settling of things or as the inner (intrinsic) space of our spirit. As a
result, it has obviously not been considered as important as the elaboration
on ‘time’. The provision of this particular course is to, on the one hand,
to add the perspectives of modern sociology and phenomenology into the background
of the theory, in order to emphasize the mutual defining relation between
human beings and social space as well as the interdependent relationship
of the body and mind of spatial situation., so that we can further expand
the breadth of the discourse on “space” and to promote the cross-domain learning.
On the other hand, and most importantly, to identify the related issues in
order to conduct discussion more thoroughly. To accomplish this goal, we
will center our discussion on Chinese literature and humanistic traditions;
in the meanwhile, we could also have a side interest in the study of the
concept of space from East Asia civilization (Japan, in particular). The
issues we will be discussing include the following aspects:
A. The natural space: including nature of universe and space of scenery, botanical
garden and so on.
B. Traveling space: including the spatial styles formed as a result of being
exiled, officially-assigned governing journey and so on.
C. City space: including the spatial images formed as a result of region, capital
city and so on.
D. Body space: including the related issue of space, such as sex, desire and
so on.
Instructional planning:
The instruction will be a combination of lecturing and discussion, in the meanwhile,
we will invite professions specified in relevant domain to give speeches
on special topics.
Assignments and grading:
Classroom discussion and oral presentation 40%
A written report by the end of the semester 60%
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