HIST 394: JAPAN, 1600-2000
This course traces the historical development of the Japanese
archipelago from an isolated, agrarian federation of feudatories to a
modern, industrialized nation-state. In the course of our journey we will
focus whenever possible on the international dimension to Japan's early
modern and modern periods, specifically concentrating on the tumultuous
events of the nineteenth century. This is the period in which Japan was
drawn into the market of global capitalism, and thus began its long course
of westernization and modernization. At the completion of this course
students should be versant in the basic themes of modern Japanese history,
understanding how and why Japan occupies its current position in world
affairs. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Previous offering: Fall 2005.
Next offering (tentative): Fall 2007.
FILM 292: FILMS OF AKIRA KUROSAWA
This course serves as general introduction to postwar Japanese
film through close examination of several films of Akira Kurosawa, one
of the most celebrated directors in the history of the medium. Students
will be introduced to basic theories and concepts in film studies, as
well as topics in Japanese history relevant to both the settings and production
of the films. Close attention will also be paid to issues of nationalism,
gender, war, and cross-cultural adaptation. There are no prerequisites,
and Japanese language skills are not required.
Previous offering: Fall 2004.
Next offering: Fall 2006.
ASTU 232: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LITERATURE
In this course students will explore the literature of modern
Japan. In particular, we will examine the manner in which Japanese authors
have responded to the events of the 20th century. Topics to be discussed
include the relationship between the individual and society; Japan's international
relations; WWII, the atomic bombing and the reconstruction of postwar
Japan; and the modern Japanese family, among others. Authors include Oe
Kenzaburo, Murakami Haruki, Yoshimoto Banana, Endo Shusaku, Kitakata Kenzo,
Tezuka Osamu, and Shono Junzo. There are no prerequisites, and Japanese
language skills are not required.
Previous offering: Spring 2005.
Next offering: Spring 2007.
ASTU 290: INTRODUCTION TO EAST ASIA
This course surveys the social, political, and cultural
development of modern East Asia. Specifically, we will focus on the roughly
200 years that have marked the modern relationship of 'East' and 'West,'
and how the cultures of Japan, Korea, and China have been influenced by-and
influenced-Europe and the United States during this period. We will consider
the unique political and social structures of these countries, but will
not be able to study each society in depth. Rather, we will trace the
chronological development of the period 1800-present with an eye on such
broader themes as nationalism, imperialism, and colonialism, as they relate
to the politics and world views of Japan, Korea, and China. Although lectures
will account for a significant amount of class time, students will be
required to participate in discussions and other group activities. There
are no prerequisites, and Japanese language skills are not required.
Previous offering: Spring 2006.
Next offering (tentative): Spring 2008.
JAPN 111: ELEMENTARY JAPANESE I
This course serves as an introduction to Japanese grammar
and sentence structure, with emphasis on listening, speaking, reading,
and writing skills. By the conclusion of JAPN 111 students should be able
to write and read hiragana, katakana, and approximately thirty kanji.
Offered every fall semester.
JAPN 112: ELEMENTARY JAPANESE II
A continuation of JAPN 111.
Offered every spring semester.
JAPN 211: INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE I
A continuation of JAPN 111-112, with emphasis on intermediate
language skills.
Offered every fall semester.
JAPN 212: INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE II
A continuation of JAPN 211. By the conclusion of JAPN 212,
students should be able to read and write approximately 200 kanji.
Offered every spring semester.
JAPN 220: CROSS-CULTURAL JAPAN
In this course we will explore Japanese popular culture
from a cross-cultural perspective, surveying film, literature, and art
from 1800-present. There are no prerequisites, and Japanese language skills
are not required.
Previous offering: J-Term 2004.
Next offering: J-Term 2007.
JAPN 221: TOKYO PAST AND PRESENT
This is a January travel course designed to explore the
history of Tokyo, Japan, the world's largest (and perhaps greatest) city.
It will include two weeks of instruction in Ashland and two weeks in Tokyo.
While in Japan students will have an opportunity to visit art and history
museums; wander through traditional neighborhoods and high-tech commercial
centers; see sumo wrestling exhibitions and kabuki plays; and explore
other aspects of Japanese history and culture. Japanese language skills
are not required, but Japanese language students will be encouraged to
practice their skills in various settings. Prerequisite: permission of
instructor.
Next offering (tentative): J-Term 2008.
JAPN 311: LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
This third-year Japanese language course is designed to
develop skills beyond the intermediate level. Special attention will be
paid to the translation of native source materials (manga, newspaper articles,
etc.) from Japanese to English.
Offered J-Term 2005 and as needed.