Class Detail

Explores contemporary Asian literature, focusing on how writers from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and other regions address themes of identity, politics, trauma, and modernity. Through novels, short stories, and essays from the late 20th century to the present, students examine literary movements like surrealism, postmodernism, and magical realism, and how these genres reflect or challenge cultural and societal norms. See the schedule of classes for the current topic. Distribution requirement: Global.

From the Instructor: Contemporary Asian Literature: Contemporary East Asian Surrealist Novels Surrealism, originating as a modernist movement in Europe, is now a global force in all forms of art in the contemporary world. In this class we will explore how surrealism in East Asian novels takes on a unique sociocultural and philosophical dimension as it intersects in themes of tradition, identity, politics, trauma, and modernity. We will engage with novels written by Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese writers ranging from the late 20th century to present day and learn how authors use techniques such as dream sequences, distortion of realities, and magic to question the particular societal norms and perceptions of contemporary East Asia while exploring psychological and existential concerns. We will also consider how surrealism may operate differently in East Asian novels compared to its Western counterparts. (Distribution requirement: Global)

Days & Times	Room	Instructor	Meeting Dates
MW 01:00PM-04:30PM	Cowell Clrm 131	Staff	07/28/25 - 08/29/25