Robert Ashmore

Research Bio

Robert Ashmore is a professor in the Department of East Asian Language and Culture. His research focus is on Chinese literature of the third through eleventh centuries, with special interests in lyric poetry and poetic theory, song and musical performance, and traditional concepts of identity and personality.

He received his M.A. in classical Chinese literature from Beijing University in 1992, and continued his graduate studies in the department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University, where he received his Ph. D. in November, 1997. 

Research Expertise and Interest

China, lyric poetry, Chinese literature, Chinese culture, poetic theory

Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent terms
2026 Spring
  • Introduction to Literary Chinese  [CHINESE 110B]  

  • Elementary Chinese  [CHINESE 1A]  

  • Directed Study for Graduate Students  [CHINESE 298]  

  • Thesis Preparation and Related Research  [CHINESE 299]  

  • Reading and Composition on topics in East Asian Humanities  [EALANG R1B]  

  • Reading and Composition on topics in East Asian Humanities  [EALANG R1B]  

2025 Fall
  • Introduction to Literary Chinese  [CHINESE 110A]  

  • Directed Study for Graduate Students  [CHINESE 298]  

  • Thesis Preparation and Related Research  [CHINESE 299]  

  • Elementary Japanese  [JAPAN 1A]  

  • Elementary Japanese  [JAPAN 1A]  

  • Elementary Japanese  [JAPAN 1A]  

  • Elementary Japanese  [JAPAN 1A]  

2025 Summer
  • Reading and Composition on topics in East Asian Humanities  [EALANG R1B]  

2025 Spring
  • Introduction to Literary Chinese  [CHINESE 110B]  

  • Texts on the Civilization of Medieval China  [CHINESE 234]  

  • Directed Study for Graduate Students  [CHINESE 298]  

  • Thesis Preparation and Related Research  [CHINESE 299]  

  • Reading and Composition on topics in East Asian Humanities  [EALANG R1B]  

  • Reading and Composition on topics in East Asian Humanities  [EALANG R1B]