EALC 2161 Ghosts and Strange Happenings in Chinese Literature

Introduction to the East Asian classic Extensive Records for the Era of Great Peace, an encyclopedic collection of classical Chinese "records of anomalies" (zhiguai) about ghosts, immortals, monsters, fantastic lands, and other such "strange-but-true" happenings. Compiled by the court in the tenth century, the collection soon became an influential source of creative inspiration for East Asian writers. Students will learn about the diverse literary, philosophical, and religious traditions that helped shape these fascinating narratives. Special attention will be paid to the historical conditions that the stories reflect, including moral values, gender roles, and sociopolitical issues. No prerequisite. Taught in English.