Contemporary Poetry and Song: Taiwan and China
Course Description
Summary
“Poetry and Song Are Inseparable” is a long-standing tradition in Chinese literature and music, and many modern songs are derived from poetry. This course introduces students to contemporary poets such as Gu Cheng, Feng Tang, Chun Shu, Duo Hai, Li Shasha, and others. The poetry of the contemporary poets studied in this course is written in the vernacular and serves as a rich source of authentic texts, integrating language learning with poetry study. Each poet offers a unique perspective on the changing society and culture of contemporary Taiwan and China, and the course also includes related songs.
Students will receive a packet containing poems, songs, information on the poets and singers, as well as vocabulary lists and grammar worksheets. Through reading and discussing these poems and songs, and by composing their own poems and songs in Chinese, students will gain insights into contemporary Taiwanese and Chinese culture while developing competencies in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and singing in Mandarin Chinese.
This class will meet M/Th 7:00pm-8:50pm, and an additional 40 minute session to be determined with students after the class begins.
Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Read and understand poems and songs by contemporary Chinese and Taiwanese poets.
2. Discuss the culture and society reflected in modern poetry and music.
3. Write their own poems and songs in Chinese.
4. Improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Mandarin.
5. Connect language learning with real world cultural expression.
Prerequisites
At least one term at college level
Please contact the faculty member : glin@bennington.edu
Cross List
- Cultural Studies and Languages
- History
- Literature
- Politics
- Society, Culture, & Thought