In the advanced-level courses CHIN 470, CHIN 471, and CHIN 473, students immerse themselves in the rich tradition of classical Chinese poetry. These courses, guided by Professor Bin Zheng, emphasize both the theoretical underpinnings and the creative processes behind crafting regulated verse and song lyrics, two major poetic forms in Chinese literature.
Learning the Craft in CHIN 470
CHIN 470 introduces students to the rules and structures of classical Chinese regulated verse, known as jintishi (近体诗), and song lyrics, or ci (词). Students delve into the intricacies of these forms, learning to compose their own works while developing a critical eye to analyze classical poems.
The curriculum covers four main forms of regulated verse:
- wulu (五律), a five-character, eight-line regulated verse.
- qilu (七律), a seven-character, eight-line regulated verse.
- wujue (五绝), a five-character quatrain.
- qijue (七绝), a seven-character quatrain.
In the realm of song lyrics, students explore popular styles, such as xiaoling (小令) and manci (慢词), honing their ability to create and appreciate the subtleties of this literary genre.
Outstanding Works from CHIN 470 951 2024S2
Some exemplary works produced by students in CHIN 470 reflect their growing mastery of regulated verse. Here are three notable seven-character quatrains (qijue):
游噶丹松赞林寺
刘以文
金刹巍峨倚碧空，天阶直落几千重。
但观寺下闲眠犬，独卧夕阳听暮钟。
忆西湖旧游
Cayla
水色山光碧欲流，夕桥菡萏拂行舟。
人家隔水灯初上，何处笙歌起暮鸥。
登雨花台寻南宋杨邦乂就义处
赵子铭
彩石仍存割切沿，遗茔已伴草荒眠。
须知太白言非谬，寂寞从来是圣贤。
Here are three exemplary seven-character regulated-verses (qilu):
观甲辰年高考有感
刘以文
青天背负待时飞，志得明朝折桂枝。
万马齐驰塞乌道，千军同步绕红旗。
气凝一笔终身定，花泛几重过眼迟。
纵到摧眉折腰日，犹存热血忆来时。
玄奘取经东归古道
Cayla
长安一去马蹄惊，十载东归塞月迎。
坐佛岭中饶雪意，塔莎道上少人行。
舍身岂畏黄沙怒，问法终希世界清。
顾我虽非天竺客，微吟遥寄已三更。
忆庚子年高考张榜
王啸羽
策题繁缛尚难知，已是新登布告时。
雁塔题名曾跃马，曲江折桂恍游池。
咸希上第千人喜，谁问无名万众悲？
不惑春风犹得意，东隅未逝怎言迟！
Exploring Poetic Mastery in CHIN 471 and 473
CHIN 471 and 473 advance this exploration, focusing on poetry from the Tang to the Qing dynasties. Students read and analyze masterpieces by notable poets, expanding their understanding of how poetic styles evolved across different historical periods. These two courses encourage students to engage with pre-modern and contemporary literary criticism, deepening their appreciation of the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these works.
Selected Works from CHIN 473 025 2023W2
In CHIN 473, students also excel at composing traditional poetry. Here are two selected xiaoling pieces:
生查子 · 青海怀古
毛晨菲
旧年辞未央，曾望河东道。漠北取功名，须叹其年少。
今朝忆故园，瀚海箫声悄。绝徼雁知回，不见当时鹞。
生查子 · 生辰赠友
华治仲
一度星霜换，素手挥茶盏。长天露欢颜，送暖开罗扇。
夜雪伴冬归，隰杏今微绽。斟尽月中辉，明河满觞灿。
These courses not only teach students the formal rules of classical Chinese poetry but also foster a deep connection with the art, allowing them to express themselves through this timeless literary tradition. Through rigorous study and creative practice, students in CHIN 470, CHIN 471, and CHIN 473 contribute to keeping the beauty of classical Chinese poetry alive.