Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tang-poems
If you’ve ever been intrigued by the beauty and complexity of classical Chinese literature, then the ‘唐詩新思路 (Tang Poetry)’ course on Coursera is a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into this timeless art form. This course offers a specialized perspective on Tang poetry, which is considered a pinnacle of poetic achievement in human civilization. Rather than merely providing a general overview of various poets and their works, the course adopts a thematic approach to dissect and analyze the diverse aspects of Tang poetry from the Early Tang to the Late Tang period.
One of the course’s main strengths is its ability to reinterpret traditional literary histories. Often, great poets like 陈子昂 (Chen Ziang), 王维 (Wang Wei), 李白 (Li Bai), 杜甫 (Du Fu), 白居易 (Bai Juyi), and 李商隐 (Li Shangyin) are understood through a narrow lens. Yet, this course encourages learners to see these poets in a new light, challenging common assumptions and revealing deeper insights.
The syllabus is well-structured, with six engaging lectures that focus on individual poets and their significant works:
1. **陈子昂** – Investigates whether he truly rejected the style of the Six Dynasties.
2. **王维** – Delves into the deeper meanings behind his famous questioning line: “寒梅著花未.”
3. **李白** – Analyzes the complex background of ‘清平调三首’ and its misinterpretations.
4. **杜甫** – Looks at familial relationships through his poignant poem ‘月夜.’
5. **白居易** – Reexamines the character of ‘琵琶女’ in light of contemporary understanding.
6. **李商隐** – Provides fresh insights on ‘锦瑟’ and its tragic undertones.
Each lecture is designed to provoke thought and foster a nuanced understanding of these poets’ contributions to literature and their cultural contexts. The course aptly combines historical analysis with literary criticism, thereby enriching the student’s appreciation of Tang poetry.
For anyone passionate about poetry or interested in Chinese culture, this course is highly recommended. It offers a unique academic opportunity to engage with past literary giants and explore their works critically. Embrace the captivating world of Tang poetry and deepen your understanding of one of the greatest literary traditions in human history.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tang-poems