A Review Of The Studies Of Chinese Literary Criticism Since The 1980s

This dissertation aims at providing a panorama of contemporary studies on Chinese literary criticism since the 1980s. Although the period covered is limited, this dissertation seeks, through a detailed analysis of the major issues and approaches adopted by contemporary studies, to trace the trajectory of the development of these studies and to clarify their creative achievement. By virtue of such a pursuit after the academic history at issue, the dissertation attempts to feel the pulse of the development of these studies.The paper includes three parts, which are further divided to seven special topics. Although Chapter 1 focuses on the studies done at the beginning of the 20th century, it is linked to the whole century. The introduction of the idea "history of literary criticism" into China actually triggered its establishment as an academic branch in the Chinese Department. The index of the Chapter is about literary consciousness. Chapters 2-5 provide a sorting and evaluation of the studies on four topics: the historiography of Chinese literary criticism, categorical studies, cultural studies, and comparative studies. Basing on a comprehensive examination of the studies made by contemporary scholars, this paper attempts to provide a careful clarification, detailed analysis, and critical evaluation of the major issues in these studies. The last two chapters have made an exploration respectively into the methodologies adopted by contemporary studies and the modern transformation of Chinese literature criticism, for they not only serve as links with the past but also imply a revelation of the future studies. Finally an open end is provided, hoping that it would thus lead to further studies by future scholars.