ENG 205 Chinese Fantasy + Martial Arts: From Ancient Books to Modern Screens
Do you enjoy the magic battles of high fantasy, the lightning-fast combat of kungfu, or the deep lore of anime? Then you need to experience wuxia and xianxia. Wuxia = martial hero; Xianxia = immortal hero. These two uniquely Chinese genres have their foundations in ancient Chinese literature and history.
In this study abroad, we will travel along the eastern coast of China, starting in Beijing and concluding in Shanghai. Museum visits will be paired with cultural performances; landscape sightseeing; and a tour of Hengdian Studio, the largest TV/film production studio in China. Course work includes reading excerpts of Chinese literature, viewing the modern TV shows and films entertaining Chinese audiences to this day, daily writing exercises at these stunning locations, and a final paper exploring an aspect of Chinese storytelling that most interests the student. Come experience in person the heritage, heroes, and horizons that have been inspiring Chinese storytellers—poets, novelists, game designers, filmmakers—for centuries.
Travel Dates: May 29 – June 10, 2027
Led by: Prof. Kathryn Gardiner (ksgardiner@bsu.edu) with Dr. Liu Li (lli5@bsu.edu)