Fiona Xu

Can you tell us about your research focus or interests?

My current research interests are modern Korean and Chinese literature, Buddhist studies, and gender and sexuality studies. My MA thesis examines the SF novella, Prophets of Corruption, by the South Korean writer Kim Bo-young, focusing particularly on its subversion of Buddhist doctrines such as non-self and non-duality.

Could you tell us about the research you presented at the International Conference for the Fantastic in the Arts?

My presentation focused on the works by Lu Yang and Xia Jia, which creatively engage with the Buddhist concept of karma. The paper argues that their works are cognizant of karma’s traditional emphasis on the mind and intentions, but they reorient the concept to bring attention to pain and suffering and real embodied experiences. The paper calls attention to the way the speculative fiction genre offers alternative understandings of the relationship between technology and spirituality.

What were some highlights from the conference?

At the conference I enjoyed getting to know other scholars who also worked on SF in East Asia. I also learned a lot from the preparing for the presentation since this was my first conference!

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

My advice for incoming students is first of all to explore their academic interests as much as possible in the master’s program. When in doubt, always reach out to the amazing advisors and faculty here: they are always ready to help, and I was able to more clearly define my academic interest because of the conversations I had with Professor Park.

What are you plans after graduation?

I plan to enroll in the Ph.D. program in EALC at USC.