Introductory Topics in Asian Languages and Cultures (290-0-20)

Topic

Japanese Martial Arts, Culture and Spirituality

Instructors

Antonio Terrone
847/467-1636
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall #4-439
Office Hours: times vary by quarter, please contact instructor

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 212: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

AY26 This interdisciplinary course explores the profound interconnections between martial practice, philosophical thought, and literary expression in Japanese culture from the medieval period to the present. Students will examine how samurai warrior traditions evolved into sophisticated philosophical systems and inspired diverse literary genres, while considering martial arts' transformation in modern Japan.
The course begins with pre-modern foundations: bushido ideology, Zen Buddhist influences on swordsmanship, and classical war tales like The Tale of the Heike and Hagakure. We analyze how martial disciplines became vehicles for spiritual cultivation, examining texts by legendary figures like Miyamoto Musashi (The Book of Five Rings) and Takuan Soho, who articulated the philosophical depths of martial practice.
Moving into the modern era, we investigate how martial arts adapted during Meiji modernization, the nationalistic militarism of the early twentieth century, and post-war reinvention. Students will explore how contemporary literature—from Mishima Yukio's novels to manga and film—represents martial traditions, negotiating tensions between violence and aesthetics, discipline and freedom, tradition and modernity.

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze the Integration of Martial Practice and Philosophical Thought
2. Trace Historical/Philosophical Transformations of Warrior Culture from Medieval to Modern Japan
4. Evaluate the Intersections of Aesthetics, Religion, Ethics, and Violence
5. Apply Interdisciplinary Methods to Cultural Analysis

Teaching Method

Lecture and Discussion

Evaluation Method

Participation
Weekly Response papers /essays
In-class presentation
Term paper

Class Materials (Required)

Takuan Soho, The Unfettered Mind: Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman (trans. William Scott Wilson) ISBN 978-1590309865

Yagyu Munenori, The Life-Giving Sword: Secret Teachings from the House of the Shogun (trans. William Scott Wilson) ISBN 978-1590309902

Daidoji Yuzan, Budoshoshinshu: The Warrior's Primer (trans. William Scott Wilson) ISBN 978-1611805680

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.