Class Requirements and Grading

• Active class participation and preparation (20% of final grade). This means showing up in class on time and actively participating in class discussions and raising questions. You are expected to have read the assigned texts and done the homework before each class session. Only one unexcused absence is allowed. For any additional absences (only one additional absence is allowed, except for documented emergencies), please notify the instructor in advance and make up for them by writing a three-page reflection essay on any of the class readings. More than one unexcused absence will negatively affect your grade.

• Two literary analysis papers (30% total). Submission of two reading reflections (4-6 pages each, double-spaced) of your own choice based on the weekly reading schedule. The essays should be distributed evenly between the first five weeks and the second five weeks of the quarter. The essays should be based on at least 3 different readings from two different weeks (i.e. you cannot select three readings from the same week). In these short reflections, you should synthesize the thematic and/or stylistic elements of the different readings and compare and contrast the different readings. You can write about the language, style, theme, social context, cultural implications, and your personal interpretation of the texts. You should feel free to cross-reference from different readings of the week and throughout the semester. No outside research is required for the short essays. We will workshop the first drafts of these papers in peer review sessions in class and you are required to submit ONE revised paper after the workshop.

• Team oral presentation (15%). With one or two other members of the class, you will present during one class session by engaging with the literary and scholarly works assigned for that session. Presenters should introduce the author and his or her body of work, the historical and cultural background of the literary texts and their main themes and concerns. Presenters should also use the assigned scholarly/historical readings of the week to interpret the literary texts presented. Presentations should last between 25-40 minutes (including discussion and Q & A). You are encouraged to work with your teammates after class and come up with creative ways, such as posters, handouts, Powerpoint slideshows and short performances, to help the class understand and interpret the texts assigned for your session. You should also engage the whole class by asking questions and initiating discussions. A sign-up sheet for presentations will be distributed during the second week.

• Final research paper (35% total; 10% first draft, 25% final draft, including smaller assignments within the final research paper requirement, such as posting of topics and annotated bibliography and a final brief presentation of your project). One final paper of 8-12 double-spaced pages is required. You should address a theme, a problem or a topic that interests you based on class content and use outside sources (do research) to support your point. You can focus on one major text or compare a few texts we read during the semester. You are encouraged to consult the instructor with the selection of topic and use outside materials when necessary. We will visit the library and invite a reference librarian to speak to the class about how to conduct independent research. After you finish your first draft, you will exchange the first draft with members of the class and help critique each other’s work during a workshop session toward the end of the term. You will also receive the instructor’s feedback on your first draft. After the workshop, you should reflect on the feedback and critique you will have received from your classmates and the instructor and incorporate their insights into your revision. The final revised draft will be due one week after the workshop. Grading for the final draft will be based on how well you incorporate the comments you receive and how much your paper improves from its first draft.

• Extra credit: You can earn up to 2% of your final grade by writing blog articles about any Chinese-culture related events you participate during the quarter. Post a short blog article of 500 words under the Discussions section on Moodle. You can also write blog articles about any other aspects of Chinese literature and culture, including reviews of Chinese films and performances, as well as events and books you have read in relation to Chinese culture. If you write about materials not covered in class, it is preferred that you draw some connections or comparisons between these materials and our class discussions and readings. Others are welcome to join the discussion by posting responses to the initial blog. Each completed post that meets the requirement is worth 0.5% of your total grade. You are allowed to post a max. of 4 posts.

• Accommodations. Dr. Zhang strives to create an equal and inclusive learning environment for all. If you need to arrange any special accommodations, please visit the Resources for Students with Disabilities page. You are also encouraged to share your concerns and/or needs with Dr. Zhang to the degree that you feel comfortable.

Weekly Schedule

(This weekly schedule is subject to change per the instructor’s notice.)