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CHN271W: Modern China in Film and Fiction

How to Choose Your Research Topic

To decide your research topic, here are things to consider:

  • Make sure your topic meets the assignment requirements. Read it closely. Ask your professor for feedback if you are unsure.
  • Choose a topic that is interesting to you. It may seem obvious, but this will make the research process more fun and engaging for you.
  • Consider the scope of your topic. If your topic is too broad it may be hard to find information that is focused and relevant; if your topic is too narrow it may be hard to find any information at all.  Here are some tips to refine your topic:
  1.      If your topic is narrow - You can't find information.  You need to to broaden or expand your idea, go to some larger themes or concepts to continue your search.
  2.     If your topic is broad - You find too many information, you need to narrow them down to smaller topic, such as specific event, person, etc.

 

How to find Background and Reference Information

Background information can help you learn more about the topic you are interested.  It can give you an overview of your topic and introduce you to concepts, trends, events, etc. about your topic.  Here are some background information related to your class our library collects:

1.  The Oxford handbook of modern Chinese literature.

     This resource not only provides a comprehensive survey of all the modern Chinese literature category, but also illustrates how it emerged,      viewed and interpreted.

2. Adapted for the Screen the Cultural Politics of Modern Chinese Fiction and Film.

   This resource puts landmark contemporary Chinese films in the context of their literary origins and explores how the best Chinese directors adapt fictional narratives and styles for film.

3.  A new literary history of modern China

   This resource covers comprehensive literary history of China, especially during the modern era.