Modern Chinese Literary and Cultural Studies in the Age of Theory

This insightful collection, Modern Chinese Literary and Cultural Studies in the Age of Theory, explores critical theory's role in contemporary Chinese literature and culture.

This collection of essays, titled Modern Chinese Literary and Cultural Studies in the Age of Theory, utilizes critical theory to explore contemporary issues within Chinese literature and culture. The essays delve into a variety of topics, including 20th-century literature from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, as well as film, art, history, and popular culture. Through this multifaceted approach, the authors address the complexities of literary and cultural criticism alongside the themes of migration and diaspora, enriching the discourse surrounding modern Chinese studies.

One of the critical arguments presented in Modern Chinese Literary and Cultural Studies in the Age of Theory is the inadequacy of traditional area studies, which emerged during the U.S. Cold War era. Rey Chow, in her introduction, critiques the concept of a singular Chineseness that is predominantly tied to mainland China, highlighting the diverse experiences of ethnic minorities and populations in regions like Tibet and Taiwan. This volume challenges outdated notions and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the varied realities of Chinese identity.

Originally published as a special issue of the journal boundary 2, this collection features two new essays and an afterword by Paul Bové, contextualizing its arguments within contemporary cultural politics. The insights offered in this book will significantly influence the study of modern China and engage scholars interested in the intersections of theory and culture.