Island Culture:TaiwanFilm&Fict

Catalog description

This course introduces short stories, novels, and films associated with major social, cultural, and historical events from 20th-century Taiwan. We will explore how fictional works of art both influence and reflect the ways that contemporary Taiwan identity has been conceived. Course readings will lead us to think critically about identity formation and the individual’s capacity for critical self-awareness. We will pay special attention to the ways that fictional representation contributes to our understanding of family, romance, sexuality, gender, race, economic class, social antagonism, modernization, colonialism, and more. Through group dialogue, we will develop skills in interpreting these representations. Taught entirely in English, no knowledge of Taiwan history or languages is required.