Black Myth: Wukong and the Journey to the West

Catalog description

China's 3A game "Black Myth: Wukong" became a global sensation after its launch on August 20, 2024. The game captivated gamers worldwide with its stunning visuals and profound reinterpretation of the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West". This novel tells the story of Tang Sanzang and his disciples, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, as they journey westward to obtain Buddhist scriptures, overcoming 81 trials along the way. This course explores Chinese culture, literature, and language through both the video game "Black Myth: Wukong" and the novel "Journey to the West." The course includes an introduction to "Black Myth: Wukong" and its societal impact, examining the game's development, reception, and cultural significance both in China and globally. It also involves a close reading of the novel "Journey to the West" as a cornerstone of Chinese literature, with analysis of key selections, discussion of its historical value and modern influence. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the novel and game explores their relationship, highlighting similarities and differences in character creation, and discussing cultural inheritance and innovation. Through these explorations, students will enhance their understanding of Chinese culture and history while improving their Chinese language proficiency. Prerequisites: 82-331 Min. grade C or 82-332 Min. grade C or 82-334 Min. grade C or 82-340 Min. grade C or 82-338 Min. grade C or 82-339 Min. grade C or 82-337 Min. grade C