Introduction to Premodern Japanese Literature and Culture (221-0-20)
Topic
Intro to Classical Japanese Literature
Instructors
Thomas Martin Gaubatz
847/491-2766
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Office 4-345
Office Hours: varies by quarter, please contact instructor
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
AY 24-25 This course is an introduction to Japanese literature from the earliest writings through the end of the Heian period (12th c.), including early mythohistory, poetry, Buddhist folklore, diaries, and narrative fiction. Students will be introduced to key historical contexts surrounding the formation of the early Japanese court and the birth of Japanese literary culture, the influence of Buddhism on Japanese thought and literature, the role of poetic composition and exchange in Heian court culture, and more, while learning to analyze the formal qualities and thematic content of texts in different genres.
Learning Objectives
• Describe the historical evolution and major genres, authors, works of Japanese literature from the earliest writings through the end of the Heian period (8th-12th c.) • Analyze the thematic content and formal structure of literary works as a basis for interpretation and comparison. • Situate literary and dramatic works in relation to meaningful social and cultural contexts, and interpret how they both reflected and commented creatively upon those contexts. • Interpret key conceptual terms like ‘literature' in historical and cultural contexts and in relation to primary texts. • Communicate and debate humanistic topics from multiple, possibly conflicting perspectives, both orally and in writing
Teaching Method
Lecture/Discussion
Evaluation Method
Attendance, participation, reading journal, response essays, quizzes, final assignment
Class Materials (Required)
None
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for students majoring or minoring in Asian Languages & Cultures or International Studies until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites, if applicable.