Discover Chinese Drama: Understanding 'The Injustice to Dou E'

Explore the wonders of Chinese literature in the time of the Yuan dynasty

Chinese drama is a brilliant crystalisation of Chinese performing arts, and ‘The Injustice to Dou E’ is one of the genre’s greatest examples.

This thirteenth-century play remains a much-quoted classic in China, and – with its startlingly realistic portrayal of injustice in the Yuan dynasty – still captivates modern audiences.

On this course, you’ll study the history and development of Chinese drama, learning how to define and analyse Zaju opera, and ultimately closely examine the famous play itself.

Our educators will irregularly join the discussion with you, but, of course, at every step in this course, you are invited to share your ideas with us and other fellow learners.

This course is for anyone wishing to know more about the developlent of Chinese drama, the history of the Yuan period, or explore the performance of Zaju.

You will be invited to post your creative ideas on Padlet, an online virtual ‘bulletin’ board, where we can collaborate, reflect, share links and pictures. But don’t worry, clear instruction will be given on how to use these tools as we go along. See you in class!

• Textbook and History
• Welcome to the Course: Chinese Drama
• Chinese Drama Before Tang Dynasty
• Chinese Drama After Tang Dynasty
• Injustice to Dou E 1: Background Knowledge to the Play
• Introduction to Yuan Zaju
• The Playwright and The Play
• What We Will Read in Dou E
• Injustice to Dou E 2: The Text
• The Characters and the Plot of the Play
• Important Passages and Analysis I
• Important Passages and Analysis II
• Injustice to Dou E 3: Conclusion
• The Oaths and the Ghost
• The Father/Daughter Relationship
• The Theme of the Play
• Course Conclusion