Abstract: As core and basic content of ancient Chinese literature teaching for university Chinese literature majors, literature of the Pre-Qin era and the Han dynasties (before the 3rd Century A.D.) plays an important role in developing the students' literary expertise, because it is the fountainhead of Chinese literature in general. As roots of our national culture, classics of this period lay the foundation of the basic values of the Chinese civilization for all the writers to come whose works are subject to influence of these classics to varying degrees. Study and mastery of literature of this period, therefore, are significant for majors of Chinese literature in general. Under new background, strategies for studying literature of this period include: reading history of this period, connecting what you learn from books to practical life, exchanging ideas with teachers and friends, keeping your eyes open for literary resources newly unearthed, and choosing one classic work and understand it to the letter.

Key words: Chinese literature major, literature of pre-Qin era and the Han dynasties, position in literary history, study strategy