Surveys the late 20th century Chinese and Taiwanese literature and popular culture against the historical background Market Reform in China and the lifting of Martial Law in Taiwan. Emphasizes close and critical reading skills and an understanding of how aesthetic texts critically engage within historical and cultural experiences. Assignments include novels, essays, short stories, poems, plays, songs, films, and scholarly articles. Taught in English. Recommended prereq., CHIN 1012 or 1051.