Start Date
1 October, 2024
There will be 7 weekly meetings on Tuesday, 6 - 8pm, starting from 1 October.
Overview
Nguyễn Du holds a similar cultural status in Vietnam to that of Shakespeare in England: he’s the national poet, and all Vietnamese are familiar with his masterpiece, The Song of Kiều. Published clandestinely in Hanoi in 1820, the tale of a young Chinese woman seeking to return to her family and her first love, spread rapidly throughout Vietnam. Its eponymous heroine came to represent the nation itself, beautiful and talented and determined to overcome whatever difficulties life may throw at her.
For almost 200 years, the book was largely overlooked outside Vietnam. Chinese and European scholars alike mistook it for a mere translation of an old Chinese story. It was not until the end of the 20th century that the first English versions of the story began to appear, as westerners realised that this rich cultural text offers unprecedented access into Vietnamese society. My award-winning 2019 translation provides a lively and accessible introduction to the text and its context. No prior knowledge is expected: this module – taught by the translator – is suitable for anyone who would like to learn more about Vietnamese/Chinese culture and history.
Syllabus
1. The Song of Kiều parts one to three
2. The Song of Kiều parts four to six
3. the Ming-era events that inspired The Song of Kiều
4. the writer as subversive spy in East Asian dynasties
5. revolution and dynastic change in 18th/19th century Vietnam
6. The Song of Kiều and the US-Vietnam war
7. contemporary Vietnamese literature
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: Tim Allen
I began my career in the global south, teaching in various schools and institutions across Africa and South America, and also working more widely on a range of aid programmes for international NGOs. It was on one such project that I first came across Nguyễn Du's tale of Kiều, Vietnam's national epic, and which I would eventually translate as The Song of Kiều (2019). I have a special interest in world literature, particularly that which gives a voice to those communities from outside the mainstream. I currently work as a skills enhancement specialist at the University of Liverpool, helping students to achieve their best possible grades.
Courses fees: Full fee £155/Concession £80.
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