Courses

An interdisciplinary introduction from ancient to modern times. Arts, literature, politics, social relations, religion, and material culture are studied in terms of significant themes and ideas pertaining to the civilization of Japan. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: human diversity.

Surveys Japanese thought and culture through careful reading and discussion of selected masterworks of Japanese literature in translation. Texts include significant works of poetry, fiction, drama, diaries, and essays, from ancient times to the present. Taught in English. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: literature and the arts.

Examines 20th century Japanese culture through cinematic and animated films. Studies films by Ozu, Kurosawa, Mizoguchi, and contemporary animators Tezuka, Miyazaki, and Kon Satoshi. Considers cultural issues raised in film and anime in light of modern Japanese history and literature. Requires no knowledge of Japanese.

Deals with major linguistic characteristics of Japanese as a medium of communication. Discusses complex linguistic processing of social status and empathy relationships, for example, with reference to the structure of Japanese society from ancient to contemporary times. Requires no knowledge of Japanese. Recommended prereq., JPNS 2120.

Surveys the major works and authors of classical Japanese literature, both poetry and prose, from the earliest historical records and literary anthologies through the Heian period (784--1185). Taught in English. Recommended prereq., JPNS 1051. Same as HUMN 3811.

Surveys the major works and authors of medieval Japanese (poetry, prose, and drama) from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185--1600). Taught in English. Recommended prereq., JPNS 1051.

Surveys the major works, authors, and genres of literature from the Tokugawa through Meiji periods in their historical and cultural contexts. Attention is given to various approaches of literary analysis and interpretation. Taught in English. Recommended prereq., JPNS 1051.

Surveys the major works, authors, and genres of literature from the late Meiji period and 20th century in their historical and cultural contexts. Attention is given to various approaches of literary analysis and interpretation. Taught in English. Recommended prereq., JPNS 1051. Same as HUMN 3841.

Introduces aspects of Japanese popular culture from the early 1990s economic collapse until the present through a variety of artisitic mediums including manga, anime, literature, live-action cinema, video gaming, music, and the visual arts. Taught in English. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors).