Chinese Myths in the Multiverse: Adaptation, Animation, Film, and Games
CEAS 272
Spring 2027
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01
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How do ancient Chinese myths change when they move across time, media, and cultural boundaries? This course explores Chinese mythology through early texts, imperial fiction, animation, film, television, and video games. Students will encounter major mythic figures and narratives from works such as the Shanhaijing, Soushen ji, and Fengshen yanyi, and examine how these stories are adapted for new audiences in modern China and beyond, including Japanese anime such as Hoshin Engi. Through these transformations, we will consider how ideas of heroism, gender, religion, morality, and cultural identity are reimagined across different historical and media contexts. The course will be conducted in English, and all readings will be available in English translation. No prior knowledge of Chinese language, literature, or culture is required. Throughout the semester, students will develop a creative adaptation of a Chinese myth, with the option of using AI tools. They may create either a 3¿5 minute short film or an original musical piece or soundtrack based on a particular scene or character. The project will develop through proposal, draft, peer feedback, and revision, and will be accompanied by a brief reflective statement explaining the student¿s interpretation, creative choices, and, where relevant, responsible use of AI. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CEAS |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (College of East Asian Studies Minor)(College of East Asian Studies) |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Anne Birrell, trans., The Classic of Mountains and Seas
Gan Bao, In Search of the Supernatural: The Written Record, trans. Kenneth J. DeWoskin and J. I. Crump Jr.
Tales of the Teahouse Retold: Investiture of the Gods, trans. Katherine Liang Chew (selected chapters)
Wu Cheng¿en, The Journey to the West, trans. Anthony C. Yu
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Examinations and Assignments:
Final Creative Project: Reimagining Chinese Myth (see course description) |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Major Viewings: A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora¿s Box (1995), dir. Jeff Lau
A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella (1995), dir. Jeff Lau
Monkey King: Hero Is Back (2015), dir. Xiaopeng Tian
The Monkey King 2 (2016), dir. Soi Cheang
Ne Zha (2019), dir. Jiaozi
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (2023), dir. Wuershan |
| Instructor(s): Chik,Frankie Times: ..T.R.. 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 16 | | SR major: 2 | JR major: 2 | | |
| | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 4 | FR: 4 |
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