ASIAN 3325 - Tales of Crime and Justice from Pre-Modern China

(GHB) (LA-AS)

Fall. 4 credits.

D.X. Warner.

This course examines different representations and notions of criminality and justice in a selection of Chinese historical and literary texts from early to late imperial times. These tales grapple with such questions as when lawless actions can be justified—whether regicide or banditry or petty assault—and how to accommodate competing concepts and agents of justice within the same social world. Assigned readings will be in English translation; no prior knowledge of Chinese is required. (LL)