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This course considers the configuration of space, place, and identity in relation to languages, gender, and social class in Sinophone literature and culture. Engaging the issues of multiculturalism, linguistic plurality, narrative heteroglossia, and transnational im/mobility. This class probes the concept of the Sinophone and how it relates to, complicates, and challenges China and Chineseness. What is the Sinophone? How does it inform our readings of texts produced outside and on the margin of China and Chineseness? In challenging existing centers of power and hegemony, does the Sinophone form new centers? How does migration during different time periods and across different space shape the cultures of these Sinophone sites? Building on recent scholarship on Sinophone studies, this course draws on postcolonial and postmodern theories to examine a culturally and geographically diverse body of contemporary Sinophone fiction and film.

All readings have been translated into English from the Chinese original. Students who are interested in enhancing Chinese language proficiency are encouraged to read the Chinese original texts.

I. THE SINOPHONE, SPACE, PLACE, AND IDENTITY

Week 1 (Sept 7) Course Overview and Explanation of Syllabus

Week 2 (Sept 14) Space and Place

II. HONG KONG: DISAPPEARANCE AS CULTURAL POLITICS

Week 3 (Sept 21) Hong Kong as Space and Place I

Week 4 (Sept 28) Hong Kong as Space and Place II

Week 5 (Oct 5) Hong Kong as Space and Place III

Week 6 (Oct 12) Instructor out of town, no class

Week 7 (Oct 19) Hong Kong from an Outsider’s View

Week 8 (Oct 26) Taiwan as a Colonial Space I

III. TAIWAN: COLONIAL PAST AND MULTICULTURALISM

Week 9 (Nov 2) Taiwan as a Colonial Space II

Week 10 (Nov 9) Congregation, No class

Week 11 (Nov 16) Taiwan as a Colonial Space III

Week 12 (Nov 23) Presentations (Group 1)

Week 13 (Nov 30) Presentations (Group 2)

Week 14 (Dec 7) (Optional) Course Review and Writing Workshop

Final Paper due by 5pm Dec 8th

• Participation and Preparation (15%)
• Discussion Lead and Discussion Board Post (15%)
• Reading Quizzes (15%)
• Preliminary Presentation of Seminar Paper (15%)
• Seminar Paper (40%)

Attention is drawn to University policy and regulations on honesty in academic work, and to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures applicable to breaches of such policy and regulations. Details may be found at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/.With each assignment, students will be required to submit a signed declaration that they are aware of the policies, regulations and procedures. Use of AI tool in any form is strictly prohibited in this course.