Dreaming in a Red Chamber – What does it Mean to Teach Chinese Literature? A Case Study Based on the Evaluation of a Group of Second-Year French Students and Their Comments
Résumé
The paper is divided into two parts. The first section examines the objectives of and methods used in teaching the History of Chinese Vernacular Fiction and Theatre, in relation to the specific problems of a literature course for second-year students enrolled in a degree programme in Chinese Language, Literature and Civilisation (Lettres, Langue et Civilisation chinoises).
The second section considers issues raised by the teaching/learning experience, based on student comments and examination results. Factors examined include types of texts, language proficiency issues, and student recall, to provide insight into the following questions: What generalizations, if any, can be made regarding the expectations of young adults (around twenty years of age) studying Chinese literature today? What position does literature have (or could it have) in language teaching/learning today?
The paper does not seek to identify an ideal teaching situation (a perfect teacher for perfect students) but rather looks at what is possible in a specific context.