Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-red-chamber-dream
**Course Review and Recommendation: 紅樓夢 (The Red Chamber Dream)** If you’ve ever felt the allure of classic literature, the Coursera course on *紅樓夢 (The Red Chamber Dream)* is a compelling and enriching opportunity for both newcomers and seasoned readers of Chinese literature. This course offers an in-depth analysis of one of China's most treasured novels, *Dream of the Red Chamber*, also known as *Hong Lou Meng*, written by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. ### Course Overview The course is designed to unravel the intricate layers of *Hong Lou Meng*, focusing not only on the narrative itself but also on the broader themes of identity and societal norms that it reflects. The course emphasizes the relationship between the reader and the text, encouraging participants to explore their own perspectives while diving into the rich historical and cultural context of the novel. Students will embark on a journey through the sociopolitical landscape of Cao Xueqin's time, gaining insights into how the author’s experiences and the societal structures of the Qing Dynasty influenced the storytelling. This unique approach promises to transform your understanding of the novel from mere appreciation to a critical analysis of its enduring significance. ### Syllabus Breakdown **Week 1: 超越自我──面對經典的態度 (Transcending Self: Attitudes Towards Classics)** This introductory week sets the stage by encouraging students to reflect on their own biases and attitudes towards classic literature. Discussions aim to foster a more open and thoughtful engagement with the text. **Week 2: 沒落貴族的落魄王孫 (The Fallen Nobility: The Disgraced Prince)** This week delves into themes of decline and nostalgia, exploring the characters that embody the fall of the aristocracy during the novel's period. **Week 3: 《紅樓夢》的世界 — 貴族世家的獨特探照 (The World of *Dream of the Red Chamber* — A Unique Exploration of Aristocratic Families)** Participants will analyze the lavish lifestyles, complex relationships, and norms of the aristocratic families depicted in the novel, enriching their understanding of its social commentary. **Week 4: 世族家庭的人際網絡Ｉ：嫁禍說 (Interpersonal Networks in Aristocratic Families I: The Scapegoat Theory)** This week focuses on the dark intricacies of family dynamics, probing the fallout from scapegoating and the psychological repercussions on the characters involved. **Week 5: 世族家庭的人際網絡ＩＩ：告密說 (Interpersonal Networks in Aristocratic Families II: The Informant Theory)** Continuing from the previous week, this section explores betrayal and loyalty within familial relationships, enhancing the understanding of trust and deception in the context of the novel. **Week 6: 《紅樓夢》的愛情觀——超越才子佳人 (The Concept of Love in *Dream of the Red Chamber* — Beyond the Talented Scholar and the Beautiful Woman)** In the final week, students examine portrayals of love that transcend conventional romantic tropes, discovering deeper philosophical reflections on affection, duty, and sacrifice. ### Conclusion *紅樓夢 (The Red Chamber Dream)* is more than a course; it is an invitation to engage with one of the most significant works in world literature on a profound level. It offers a perfect blend of literary analysis, historical context, and personal reflection. Whether you are a literature lover seeking to deepen your understanding of classic texts or someone new to the complexities of Chinese novels, this course will challenge and inspire you. I wholeheartedly recommend enrolling in this course on Coursera to appreciate the beauty and depth of *Dream of the Red Chamber*. You will walk away not only with a greater understanding of the novel but also with insights into the cultural and societal values that continue to resonate today. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of Cao Xueqin’s masterpiece and join a community of learners passionate about literature and culture. Happy studying!
第一週：超越自我──面對經典的態度
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第二週：沒落貴族的落魄王孫The description goes here
第三週 ：《紅樓夢》的世界 — 貴族世家的獨特探照The description goes here
第四週：世族家庭的人際網絡Ｉ：嫁禍說The description goes here
第五週：世族家庭的人際網絡ＩＩ：告密說The description goes here
第六週：《紅樓夢》的愛情觀——超越才子佳人The description goes here
這門課是對中國小說經典《紅樓夢》的分析與詮釋，著重於認識讀者本身與經典間的關係，並從作者的時代背景與社會階層著手，重新剖析這部人所共愛、人各有所擁戴的經典之作。
It is a good chance to improve the ability to learn Chinese's culture,how to know the past people's life in the different level degree,from gongqin wang to qinhuan lindaiyu,and so on.
非常喜歡老師對於紅樓夢的講解，課堂中裡面引述了許多學者與評論家的看法，不僅能了解不同時空背景之下，對於紅樓夢的解讀，也能更貼近創作的時代背景與當時的價值觀，打破過去曾有的成見，提供全新的想法。