Early Modern Japan (284-2-20)
Instructors
Amy Beth Stanley
8474676722
Harris Hall - Room 203
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L06: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
This course covers social, political, and cultural developments during the Tokugawa period, from 1600-1868. During over two hundred fifty years of peace, samurai became administrators (while writing incessantly about death and honor), merchants created a culture of conspicuous consumption, wealthy peasants took advantage of an expanding market economy, and people from all status groups found common ground in their enjoyment of art, literature, and drama. By analyzing readings that include the rantings of an unemployed (and slightly unhinged) samurai and a series of "archival" documents, students will gain an understanding of this pivotal era in Japanese history.
Learning Objectives
Understand what, and mostly how, historians know about political, social, and economic life in early modern Japan
Evaluation Method
Evaluation will be conducted based on class participation (15%), a midterm (25%), a paper (30%), and a final exam (30%)
Class Materials (Required)
Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel, 978-0312429980, Picador
Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi, 978-1101971062, Vintage
The Buddha in the Attic, Julie Otsuka, 978-0307744425, Anchor
A coursepacket
Class Notes
History Area(s) of Concentration: Asia/Middle East
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity