Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/su-dongpo
Su Dong Po, a name that resonates through Chinese literary history, is celebrated not just for his poetry but for the profound emotional depth and philosophical insights embedded within his ‘Ci’ poems. Coursera’s course, ‘Ci Poetry of Su Dong Po’ (東坡詞), taught by the esteemed Professor Liu Shao-hsiung from National Taiwan University, offers a captivating journey into the heart of this literary giant’s work.
From the very first lecture, it’s clear this is no ordinary poetry appreciation course. Professor Liu masterfully blends literary analysis with biographical context, exploring the motivations behind Su Dong Po’s compositions and the unique characteristics of his ‘Ci’ poems. He delves into how Su Dong Po “used poetry to write Ci,” a significant innovation that expanded the genre’s expressive capabilities.
The syllabus is meticulously structured, guiding learners through different phases of Su Dong Po’s life and the evolution of his poetic voice. We begin with his early works from Hangzhou, witnessing his transition from descriptive poetry to deeply personal expressions of emotion, particularly in his farewell and homesickness ‘Ci’. The course then moves to his time in Mizhou, where we see the development of his elegant and heroic styles, exemplified by iconic pieces like ‘Ten years of life and death, you and I have met across the vast expanse’ and ‘This old man, perhaps, will unleash his youthful wildness.’
Professor Liu’s lectures are not just informative; they are evocative. He paints vivid pictures of the historical and social landscapes that shaped Su Dong Po, allowing us to feel the poet’s triumphs and tribulations. The exploration of ‘Ci’ poems like ‘Water Melody’ (水調歌頭) and ‘Nian Nu Jiao’ (念奴嬌) reveals Su Dong Po’s evolving perspective on time, space, and self, often tinged with a profound sense of cosmic awareness.
A particularly compelling aspect of the course is its examination of Su Dong Po’s choices in literary form, such as his decision to write about the same theme, the Red Cliff, in both ‘Ci’ and ‘Fu’ (prose-poetry). This comparative analysis highlights his struggle for balance between freedom and constraint, change and constancy, offering profound insights into life’s fundamental questions.
The latter half of the course focuses on Su Dong Po’s reflections during his travels and his quest for spiritual solace. Through poems like ‘Ding Feng Bo’ (定風波), we witness his resilience in the face of adversity and his ability to find meaning and peace in everyday experiences. The course culminates in an exploration of his ‘Yong Wu’ (詠物) poems, where he masterfully uses personification and imagery to deepen emotional expression and expand the thematic scope of ‘Ci’ poetry.
What makes this course truly exceptional is its ability to connect the reader not just with the poetry, but with the poet’s inner world. Professor Liu emphasizes that appreciating poetry is a journey of emotion, and through Su Dong Po’s work, we are invited to experience his passionate engagement with life, his respect for existence, and his ultimate quest for inner peace. The course leaves us with a profound understanding of how to find spiritual grounding in the complexities of human relationships.
**Recommendation:**
‘Ci Poetry of Su Dong Po’ is an enriching and deeply moving course that I wholeheartedly recommend. Whether you are a student of Chinese literature, a poetry enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to understand a great mind and heart, this course offers invaluable insights. Professor Liu’s engaging lectures and the profound beauty of Su Dong Po’s poetry combine to create an unforgettable learning experience that will undoubtedly enrich your life.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/su-dongpo