Classic Chinese legends are a lavish source of inspiration for contemporary filmmakers. Film adaptations of the legends, including the Chinese domestic ¬box-office bonanza Ne Zha and the internationally well-known Mulan series, play a significant role in defining popular perceptions of Chinese culture both in and outside China. This seminar engages in an in-depth discussion of the complex ways in which the legend-based films construct diverse cultural narratives about China. Requirements include film viewings, presentations, quizzes, class discussions and a final project. Taught in Chinese. All films are English subtitled.

The textbook for this course is Bordwell, David, and Kristin Thompson. Film art: an introduction. Boston: McGraw Hill (8th edition only). Students can also choose to use the book's Chinese translation:《电影艺术：形式与风格》曾伟祯译，北京联合出版公司·后浪出版公司，2015 (ISBN: 9787550250918).