唐詩新思路 (Tang Poetry)

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tang-poems

Introduction

### Course Review: 唐詩新思路 (Tang Poetry) on Coursera If you have ever been captivated by the beauty of classical poetry or are curious about the intricate layers of Tang Dynasty poetry, the course "唐詩新思路" (Tang Poetry) on Coursera is an exceptional opportunity. It offers a profound exploration into the realm of Tang poetry, which is not only a pinnacle of poetic achievement but also a treasured contribution to human civilization. #### Overview The course is designed to take participants on a thematic journey through the various dimensions of poetry from the Early Tang to the Late Tang period. Unlike traditional courses that provide a simple overview of poets and their works, this course aims to challenge common misunderstandings and biases in the literary canon. It encourages students to engage with renowned poets, such as Chen Zi'ang, Wang Wei, Li Bai, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, and Li Shangyin, from fresh perspectives. The syllabus is particularly intriguing, as it delves into significant questions regarding the poets' intentions and the contextual meanings behind their celebrated poems. For instance, Chen Zi'ang's contributions are re-evaluated beyond the traditional critique as a conservative antiquarian, while Wang Wei's lyricism connects to deeper psychological inquiries within his poetry. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Chen Zi'ang: The Retro Perspective** The course begins with a reconsideration of Chen Zi'ang’s legacy, challenging perceptions of his strict adherence to past styles. This lecture sets the tone for a critical examination of how poets like Li Bai engaged with principles of retrogression while also navigating the literary debates of their time. 2. **Wang Wei: The Questions of Nature and Emotion** Wang Wei's work is explored through the lens of emotional inquiry. The compelling image in “寒梅着花未” (Has the cold plum blossomed?) pushes students to contemplate the nuances of longing and the human psyche, linking historical sentiments to contemporary feelings. 3. **Li Bai: The Miraculous “Qingping Diao”** This segment investigates the beautiful love poems dedicated to Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, dispelling myths and providing insights into the sincerity of their relationship amidst historical controversies. 4. **Du Fu: The Image of Wifely Devotion in “Moonlit Night”** Focusing on familial themes, this lecture presents Du Fu’s reflections on love and duty through his poignant longing for his family, demonstrating how his work encapsulates broader cultural values. 5. **Bai Juyi: The Musical Persona of “The Pipa Player”** Analyzing Bai Juyi's narrative style, this section helps to grasp the complexity of the “pipa girl,” revealing characters that resonate with struggles and hopes that remain relevant today. 6. **Li Shangyin: The Tragic Essence of “Jinse”** Concluding with Li Shangyin, this lecture dissects his signature work, unearthing its intricate layers and meanings that reflect his unique temperament and style, showcasing the depth of Tang poetry at its zenith. #### Recommendation The "Tang Poetry" course is a must for anyone interested in literature, history, or art. Whether you are a casual reader or a serious scholar, this course offers invaluable insights that will enrich your understanding of one of the most significant periods in Chinese literary history. Each lecture is carefully curated to offer not just content but also a space for critical thinking, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Tang poetry. For those aspiring to delve into the interconnectedness of language, emotion, and history expressed through poetry, this course comes highly recommended. It has the potential to reshape your perceptions and expand your literary horizons significantly. So, if you are ready to embark on a poetic journey through the Tang Dynasty, you can enroll in “唐詩新思路” on Coursera and immerse yourself in the exquisite world of Chinese poetry!

Syllabus

課程資訊

對於初唐時期最重要的詩人陳子昂，一般都只強調他的復古理論與貢獻，並認為他是掃除六朝浮華詩風的大功臣，將唐詩注入風骨興寄、導向抒情言志的方向。本週課程將重新檢討這個文學史的常識，他究竟是對六朝完全揚棄，還是有更深層的認知？其次，李白身為復古思想的繼承人，如何延續復古思想，又如何在中唐的「李杜優劣論」中成為被批評的對象，而杜甫、韓愈又如何提出平議，都和「復古」這個主張有關，本週課程將重新解析它的相關論題及意涵。

王維是盛唐時期長安的明星，以全方位的藝術天才獨領風騷。少年階段便已作出流傳千古的詩篇，但其深刻卻超越一般常情常理，並未獲得正確、深入的了解。例如傳誦不已的名篇——〈雜詩〉，結尾為何問的是「寒梅著花未」？和辛棄疾〈醜奴兒〉（少年不識愁滋味）有何共通的理路？又對現代人揭示怎樣的道理？本週課程將以〈雜詩〉的心理意涵連結相關論題，以期對作者心理、人性有更深層的了解。

李白以詩仙的飄逸狂放之姿，成為最具青春氣息的唐代詩人，也擁有親身進入皇宮的罕見際遇，其〈清平調詞三首〉是一組優美動人的愛情頌歌，書寫唐玄宗與楊貴妃的真摯戀情。然而因為後來發生了安史之亂的政治功過問題，隨著唐玄宗與楊貴妃的汙名化，這組詩歷來卻受到很大的誤解，本週的課程將深入解讀這組詩的創作背景、意象運用、結構安排，確定其真正的宗旨乃是歌頌帝妃之間的真情，藉此也澄清唐玄宗與楊貴妃的種種謠言，還原兩人不同於一般嬖佞女寵的曠世愛戀。

杜甫是後世公認最偉代的唐代詩人，甚至凌駕於李白之上。本週課程延續上一週的婚戀主題，選擇杜甫呈現其家庭情感的生活切面，同時藉此瞭解唐代詩人的夫妻關係；並且透過〈月夜〉這首著名的思家之作，重新檢視其獨特的創作手法，深入了解杜甫其人其詩的偉大，既是來自儒家的精髓，又建立在兼容並蓄的集大成上。

白居易是中唐最富盛名的詩人，也是推出李杜優劣論的舵手，其作品多達三千首，當代即流行一時，〈琵琶行〉便是最為膾炙人口的作品之一，琵琶女的形象也十分鮮明立體。本週課程將追蹤其中音樂描寫的淵源，尤其是重新分析琵琶女的人物內涵與白居易的性格特質，給予「同是天涯淪落人」的正確理解。

李商隱是唐詩的壓軸，綻放出世紀末的華麗，〈錦瑟〉則是他一生歌詠的代表作，也是首屈一指的唐詩名篇。不過，這首李商隱的天鵝之歌雖然傾倒後代無數讀者，為之唏噓低迴不已，但種種感動卻是建立在字面上望文生義的誤讀上，本週課程將以正確的訓詁重新解釋，釐清〈錦瑟〉的真正意涵，由此呈現李商隱的獨特性格。