Home>Course>[CHES5127] The Male Bond in Traditional China>

Romance of Three Kingdoms (Sankuo yanyi) and Outlaws of the Marsh (Shuihu zhuan), two masterpieces of classical Chinese fiction, are treasure troves of traditional Chinese values. This course will focus on the phenomenon of male bonding, an important facet of masculinity, as illustrated in these two works. Through a close study of major selections from the novels, their filmic adaptations, background materials and critical literature, students will come to understand the nature of close relationships between men in Chinese culture, observable in many social situations even today.

Organizational Meeting

Theme and Structure of SGYY and SHZh

The Study of Femininity and Masculinity in China

Traditional View of Friendship and the Five Ethical Bonds

Good and Bad Women

Male Bonding

The Sworn Brotherhood

Friendship in Rivalry

Loyalty: Making Friends with Your Boss

The Man and His Alter-ego

Easter Holiday

Virtual and Real Kinship

Filmic Adaptations of SGYY and SHZh