A Dive into Chinese Science Fiction: A Language of the Chinese Dream
Abstract:
This
thesis
investigates
an
emerging
international
wave
of
fantastical
writings
that
surfaced
roughly
a
bit
over
a
decade
ago,
the
globalization
of
Chinese
science
fiction
(SF
or
sci-fi).
Underdiscussed
in
overseas
modern
discourses
and
always
overshadowed
by
the
worldwide
glorification
of
Western
SF
works,
the
distinctive
history,
culture,
social
values,
and
political
drives
of
the
“Chinese
Dream”
(中国梦)
ideology
present
alternative
thinking
and
speculation
for
the
collective
visions
of
tomorrow.
Focusing
mainly
on
the
study
of
literature,
this
thesis
unravels
the
unique
and
complex
elements
of
Chinese
SF
through
theoretical,
historical,
political,
cultural,
and
social
analyses.
Henceforth,
the
boundless
prospects
of
human
civilization
are
explored
through
a
divergent
lens
of
imaginative
contemplation,
with
a
specific
focus
on
the
architectural
notion
of
dwelling
in
the
home
and
the
city.
A
significant
portion
of
this
thesis
will
be
a
review
of
literary
case
studies
of
Chinese
science
fiction
short
stories
via
theoretical,
historical
and
political,
and
socio-cultural
discussions.
Subsequently,
corresponding
reflective
illustrations
will
be
created
to
serve
as
an
experimental
vehicle
to
communicate
sophisticated
analyses
through
utilizing
drawing
as
a
research
tool
and
narrative
methodology.
Although
the
thesis
is
predominantly
concerned
with
the
discourse
of
Chinese
SF,
commentaries
regarding
Western
SF
concepts
and
theories
will
be
included
for
supportive
reference,
since
the
historic
timing
of
Chinese
science
fiction
did
follow
that
of
Western
science
fiction.
Although
particular
ideas,
themes,
and
speculations
are
universal
commonalities
within
the
global
science
fiction
community,
the
research
of
this
thesis
is
mainly
dedicated
to
realizing
the
uniqueness
of
Chinese
SF,
and
its
alternative
perspectives
regarding
humanity’s
future
dwelling
landscapes.
Ultimately,
the
thesis
question
is:
If
architects
and
designers
interrogate
the
rich
ingredients
of
Chinese
science
fiction,
how
can
the
ideology
of
the
‘Chinese
Dream’
upon
which
it
is
largely
based,
influence
future
universal
architectural
discourses
regarding
the
home,
the
city,
and
the
act
of
dwelling?
The examining committee is as follows:
Supervisor:
Terri
Boake
Committee
member:
Val
Rynnimeri
Internal-external
reader:
Fiona
Lim
Tung
External:
Vincent
Hui
The
defence
examination
will
take
place:
Friday,
November
25,
2022,
10:00
a.m.
This
will
be
taking
place
in
person,
School
of
Architecture, ARC
2026.
The
committee
has
been
approved
as
authorized
by
the
Graduate
Studies
Committee.
A
copy
of
the
thesis
is
available
for
perusal
in
ARC
2106A.