This seminar will introduce four popular Sinophone films released around the turn of the new millennium, each from a distinct and pluralistic cultural context: Yi Yi (2000), Farewell My Concubine (1992), Chungking Express (1994), and Lust, Caution (2007). Class meetings will include a lecture component that situates the film in modern Chinese cultural history and introduces context about the film’s director and reception. We will then move on to a discussion component in which participants will be invited to share their insights and interpretations of the film. This seminar aims to familiarize participants with the work of four major contemporary Chinese directors and lay the groundwork for further exploration of Sinophone cinema. It also aims to familiarize educators with key approaches to film studies including formalist (mise-en-scène, cinematography, etc.), narrative, and cultural studies methods.
Program expectations
The class will meet biweekly for two-hour sessions. Before each meeting, participants are expected to watch an assigned movie. These movies are widely available for rent or free on most streaming platforms. Participants will be reimbursed for any rental costs at the conclusion of the program.
Throughout the seminar, participants are required to submit two one-page response papers.
Content Warning: This seminar is intended for adult learners and contains sensitive content and potentially distressing material related to suicide, political violence, stillbirth, and sexual assault.
Dates and Time
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 4pm-6pm PT; we will discuss Edward Yang, Yi Yi (2000)
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 4pm-6pm PT; we will discuss Chen Kaige, Farewell My Concubine (1992)
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 4pm-6pm PT; we will discuss Wong Kar-wai, Chungking Express (1994)
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 4pm-6pm PT; we will discuss Ang Lee, Lust Caution (2007)
This program will take place on Zoom.
Program Benefits
- Access to online resources.
- Free WA OSPI clock hours.
- Completion stipend, including reimbursement for movie access costs.
Application
This program is free and open to K-12 teachers of all grades and subjects. Space is limited. To apply, please follow this link. For any questions, just send us an email at earc@uw.edu.
This program is sponsored by the East Asia Resource Center at the University of Washington and funded by a Freeman Foundation grant in support of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA).