Chinese Writers and Singapore in the Early 20th Century: Selected Writers (20世纪上半叶中国南来作家与新加坡)

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Chinese Writers and Singapore in the Early 20th Century: Selected Writers (20世纪上半叶中国南来作家与新加坡) (CHS213)

Synopsis

The early 20th century was an era of great changes for China. Decaying feudal dynasties were falling apart in ancient China, and the May 4th Movement that followed ushered in a new era of modern Chinese literature. At the same time, China's civil wars continued and were followed by a long war of resistance against the Japanese invasion. The turbulent situation resulted in a large number of Chinese authors leaving the country, some of them to Southeast Asia. Of those who came south, some left a temporary footprint, while others took root and stayed in the Nanyang, but a common trait is that they all contributed to the development of Southeast Asian Chinese literature, probably even societal progress, through their literary creations or their publication or editorship of local Chinese newspapers. CHS213 will introduce students to the literary creation and social participation of selected Chinese authors living in Singapore during this period, and explore these authors’ historical contributions to the development of Singapore Chinese literature and societal progress.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done ENTIRELY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. There are no face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

Historical background of and factors leading to Chinese writers’ migration to Singapore in the early 20th century
Chinese writers in Singapore and their contributions to the development of Singapore’s Chinese literature, society, education, culture and politics
Zhang Shu’nai（1895 – 1938）张叔耐与《新国民日报》（1919年抵新）
Zeng Shengti（1901 – 1982）曾圣提与《文艺周刊》（1922年抵新）
Tan Yunshan（1898 – 1983）谭云山与《叻报 - 星光》（1924年抵新）
Ye Ni (1913 – 1989) 叶尼与《没有男子的戏剧》（1936年抵新）
Yu Dafu（1896－1945）郁达夫与《星洲日报》（1938年抵新）
Hu Yuzhi（1896－1986）胡愈之与《南洋商报》（1940年抵新）
Li Rulin (1914 - 1991) 李汝琳与《漩涡》（1947年抵新）
Yao Zi（1920－1982）姚紫与《秀子姑娘》（1947年抵新）
Lien Shih Sheng (1907－1973）连士升与《海滨寄简》（1947年抵新）
Ly Singko（1914－1996）李星可与《政论选集》（1949抵新）

Learning Outcome

阐释20世纪上半叶中国作家南来的时代背景及目的。
说明指定中国南来作家在新加坡的基本概况及文学创作。
展示鉴赏和评论指定中国南来作家文学作品的能力。
指出20世纪上半叶中国南来作家对新加坡华文文学、社会与教育发展的影响。
分析指定中国南来作家的文学思想和写作风格。
运用所学概念和理论来理解指定中国南来作家的文学作品。