FYS 6 Senses and Sensorium in Classical Literature
Why are the senses important? They are our means of experiencing the physical world. We are born to see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, through which we perceive, experience, and make sense of our surroundings. This course explores the vital role of the senses in human experience and their representation in Chinese literature. Through various genres and historical periods, we will examine how sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell are depicted in literary works. By analyzing these sensory descriptions, we will uncover how authors' philosophical views, aesthetic preferences, and personal interests influence their ways of writing about sensory experiences. The course emphasizes that our sensory experiences are both collective and individual, highlighting the diverse ways in which we perceive and interpret the world around us. Open only to first year frosh.