CHN 407/507 Early Chinese Historical Narrative

This course provides an opportunity for in-depth reading and study of the earliest historical works from China, especially the Zuozhuan (Zuo’s Commentary to the Annals; compiled ca. 3^rd century BCE?), Shiji (Historical Records; ca. 87 BCE), and Hanshu (History of the Han, ca. 100 CE).  These texts all formed indispensable precedents for historical writing throughout East Asia.  Just as importantly, each of them raises a host of important questions about memory, narrative, ritual, authorship, and genre that resonate far beyond Chinese and East Asian literature: What is history and what are the aims of historical writing?  What are the institutional contexts of early historical writing and how do they differ from history writing today?  How is history different from other ways of writing about the past?  How are we to understand connections between narrative voice and historical “facts”?   Readings are in English and Chinese.  Chinese not necessarily required, but those with sufficient classical Chinese will be encouraged to read the texts in the original.  Please contact the instructor with inquiries.