This course examines the cinemas of mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Chinese Diaspora, with a focus on how social, political and cultural changes of modern and contemporary China find their expressions in films. Background readings provide historical narratives. Selections of films and class discussions center on key issues, such as birth of nation-state, social realism and socialist realism, gender and transgender, modernity and cultural identity, history and memory, urban culture, relocation and social migration. Students will learn to use and analyze film language, and to develop a critical understanding of Chinese society and culture through film. The course is conducted in Chinese and combines lecture, discussion, and students’ presentations. Readings include English and Chinese publications.