Singapore University of Social Sciences

Chinese traditional novels have a long and rich history. Since the Han and Wei Dynasties, various genres of classical novels have evolved and were seminal in the development of Chinese societies in past eras. They were widely read by the literati and administrative rulers and contained philosophical ideas, history, and ideas about human society, family life, and politics that defined part of the world view of the literate and politically influential. This course aims to guide students into the world of traditional novels by comprehensively and systematically studying the main contents of ancient Chinese novels, taking history as the key link, focusing on the works, and paying attention to the research of selected novels. Students will be encouraged to read traditional novels spontaneously and improve their ability to appreciate Chinese novels and their analytical skills.