Chinese Classical Literature (CCALS #4)

Chinese classical literature embodies a large scope of material, not just in terms of content, but also in time. Ancient classics from the 6th century B.C.E. like Confucius' The Analects or Sun Zi's The Art of War form the foundation of Chinese philosophy and thought. Some of these ancient works became mandatory texts for scholars before they could attain posts in the various dynasties' governments. However, these Chinese classics also had a great impact on cultures outside of China. American students in a 21st century classroom have likely already been exposed to Confucian sayings, and many modern politicians and athletes have followed Sun Zi's advice. The goal for you as the teacher or parent is to encourage your children to embrace a new culture's literature, and see it as a portal to another time and place. Understanding what translation is, and what readers can and cannot get out of a translation, is knowledge well worth teaching and learning. Students will learn to be wary but appreciative in their pursuits of other translations, and they will also, perhaps, begin to appreciate original works even more.

Works discussed include:

The Analects
The Art of War
The Classic of Poetry
Melodic Poetry
The Dream of the Red Chamber
The Journey to the West
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms
The Water Margin

Book includes teacher introduction and planning strategies, bulletin board resources and ideas, class discussion topics and projects, approaches to active learning, student information sheets, student activities, and references and resources.

Included CD-rom (Win/Mac) features story-telling in English and Mandarin, story handouts in English/Chinese and Pinyin, teacher tips, additional student handouts and activities, photos, internet resources, puzzles, and interviews with Chinese publishers, translators, and a graphic novelist.

The Chinese Culture Active Learning Series is endorsed by Huang Youyi, Vice President of China International Publishing Group and Vice President of Translators Association of China, and Lin Wusun, Retired President of CIPG, Senior Editor and Translator.

Price: $22 plus shipping/handling. Click here to order books from OCDF online, or you may order by calling 309-829-8202 (toll-free: 1-866-460-OCDF). Visa and Mastercard accepted. Checks in US dollars accepted for phone orders.

Reviews

Chinese Classical Literature provides a brief but highly accessible look into the stories and poetry that have defined Chinese culture for centuries. Classical Chinese texts are introduced with historical context, with particularly famous passages highlighted and explained. Literal and poetic translation is supplied for stanzas of poetry, along with audio narration performed by a native Chinese speaker on the CD included with the book.

This colorful publication from OCDF and Dolphin Books covers The Analects, The Art of War, The Classic of Poetry, a discussion of Melodic Poetry, The Dream of the Red Chamber, The Journey to the West, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and The Water Margin.

The student crafts and handouts within Chinese Classical Literature are appropriate for an elementary or middle school curriculum, and creatively reinforce the OCDF Active Learning concept. Students and teachers will be engaged by the easy and fun activities that work to reinforce the depth of learning and history that the classical literature represents, and that help to painlessly clarify translated material from another time and place.

The book is divided into sections, with activities added for specific age-groups. The CDRom that accompanies the book is full of Chinese music, songs, storytelling, additional handouts and teaching tips. These support materials supply literally hours of cultural fun, along with extra background facts for in-depth instruction.

--Jean MacLeod, author of At Home in the World and co-editor, Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections

 Our Chinese Daughters Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with offices in Bloomington, IL and Beijing. OCDF Publications is devoted to ensuring educators and parents have access to high-quality, accurate Chinese culture education resources.

Contributors to this volume include Li Fugen (President, Dolphin Books), Dr. Jane Liedtke (CEO, OCDF), Dr. Jason Patent (Stanford University), Steven Li (OCDF), Sui Hong (OCDF), David Wang (OCDF), and Megan Zaroda (OCDF).