Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tang-poems
Tang Poetry, a high peak in the history of poetry, is not just an artistic expression but a profound contribution to human civilization. The Coursera course “唐詩新思路 (Tang Poetry)” offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the intricate landscapes of poetry from the Early to Late Tang Dynasty. This course takes a thematic approach, challenging common misconceptions and offering fresh perspectives on celebrated poets like Chen Zi’ang, Wang Wei, Li Bai, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, and Li Shangyin.
One of the unique aspects of this course is its focus on lesser-known details of these poets’ lives and works. For instance, while Chen Zi’ang is often viewed merely as a retro poet, the course investigates whether his approach was truly a complete rejection of the Six Dynasties literary style or if there’s a deeper recognition at play. Additionally, it delves into Wang Wei’s acclaimed piece “寒梅著花未” (Are the Cold Plums in Bloom?) and the profound psychological layers behind his inquiries about a long-lost hometown.
The course consists of six comprehensive lectures:
1. **Chen Zi’ang – The Retro Poet**: Challenging existing narratives on Chen’s contributions and analyzing his holistic understanding of poetry.
2. **Wang Wei – The Questioning Mind**: Exploring psychological nuances in Wang Wei’s poetry to uncover deeper meanings behind his questions.
3. **Li Bai – The Miracle of ‘清平調三首’ (Three Songs of Pure Tranquility)**: Analyzing the misunderstood romanticism and socio-political contexts behind this celebrated work.
4. **Du Fu – The Image of His Wife in ‘月夜’ (Moonlit Night)**: Revealing the emotional contexts of family relationships in Du Fu’s poetry.
5. **Bai Juyi – The New Image of the ‘琵琶女’ (The Pipa Player)**: Tracing the musical narratives within Bai Juyi’s writings for deeper character insights.
6. **Li Shangyin – The Tragic Nature of ‘錦瑟’ (The Brocade Zither)**: Correcting common misinterpretations of this significant piece to showcase Li Shangyin’s unique character.
Each lecture offers a refreshing take on these timeless works, allowing participants to grasp the subtleties of Tang poetry that often go overlooked. By the end of the course, learners will not only have deepened their appreciation of these monumental poets but will also gain a broader understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shaped Tang poetry.
If you’re fascinated by literature, history, and the beauty of language, I highly recommend enrolling in “唐詩新思路 (Tang Poetry)” on Coursera. This course will utterly transform the way you perceive and appreciate one of the greatest treasures in Chinese literary history.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tang-poems