Preface

I am extremely proud to present this groundbreaking book project, the very FIRST OER (Open Educational Resources) publication at Reed College. It showcases a remarkable collection of thirty-eight articles, featuring both creative and analytical pieces, authored by fifteen exceptional students who participated in the CHIN/LIT 330 course, “Chinese Ghost Stories and Supernatural Tales,” during the spring of 2023. As the course instructor, my decision to embark on this endeavor was fueled by a deep-rooted passion for e-publishing and an unwavering commitment to contribute to the ever-expanding realm of knowledge production. Moreover, I am thrilled to share the outstanding work of my students with a wider audience, recognizing its potential to propel their academic and professional journeys forward. Through this publication, I aim to exemplify the exceptional quality of the academic work produced by my students, reflecting their intellectual acuity and the effectiveness of my pedagogical approach. This book stands as a testament to their dedication and accomplishments, offering valuable insights into the captivating world of Chinese ghost culture. Meanwhile, this book project received recognition from the Social Justice Research and Education Fund at Reed College’s Office for Institutional Diversity for its dedication to promoting equitable learning opportunities through OER. With its capacity to provide access to high-quality educational materials for marginalized and underrepresented groups, OER proves to be a powerful tool. Additionally, the project enjoys sponsorship from Reed College Library and the support of the Chinese Department, further solidifying its impact and collaborative nature. Therefore, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues–Jim Holmes, Laura Buchholz, Jing Jiang, Alexei Ditter, Hyong Rhew, and my student intern editor, Madeline Yap for their invaluable help and unwavering support in bringing this book project to fruition. Your contributions have been instrumental in making this endeavor a reality, and I am deeply appreciative of the effort and dedication each of you has put forth. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.

July 25, 2023, Dr. Jinhui Wu in Portland