Course Code and Course Title
[CHES5127] The Male Bond in Traditional China
Time and Venue
Mon 10:30 - 13:15
YIA_511
Instructor
Prof. Tam King Fai
Course Description
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.
Course Outline
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