11 - 19 of 19 results for: JAPAN

This class introduces key literary texts from Japan's modern era (1868-present), locating these works in the larger political, social, and cultural trends of the period. The goal of the class is to use literary texts as a point of entry to understand the grand narrative of Japan's journey from its tentative re-entry into the international community in the 1850s, through the cataclysm of the Pacific War, the remarkable prosperity of the bubble years in the 1980s until most recent, post-3/11 catastrophe-evoked Zeitgeist.We will examine a variety of primary texts by such authors as Futabatei Shimei, Higuchi Ichiyô, Natsume Sôseki, Tanizaki Jun'ichir, Miyamoto Yuriko, Kawabata Yasunari, Ôe Kenzaburô, Yoshimoto Banana, Tawada Yko, and Yu Miri among others. Each text will be discussed in detail paying attention to its specific character and contextualized within larger political trends (e.g., the modernization program of the Meiji regime, the policies of Japan's wartime government, and postwar Japanese responses to the cold war), social developments (e.g., changing notions of social class, the women's rights movement, the social effects of the postwar economic expansion, ecocriticism), and cultural movements (e.g., literary reform movement of the 1890s, modernism of the 1920s and 30s, postmodernism of the 1980s, and exophony). Students will also be encouraged to think about the ways these texts relate to each other and a variety of issues beyond the Japanese socio-cultural and historical context.No prior knowledge of Japanese is required for this course, although students with sufficient proficiency are welcome to refer to original sources. Prerequisites: None

This course explores the postwar Japanese short story. We will read representative works by major authors, such as Ishikawa Jun, Hayashi Fumiko, Abe Kobe and Murakami Haruki. Attention will be devoted to both accurate reading of the Japanese prose and more general discussion of the literary features of the texts.

Are there reasons why certain words, phrases, sentences and prosody are chosen by language speakers and writers in specific contexts? What linguistic and extra-linguistic elements give the hearers and readers the impression that certain utterances and passages are friendly, accusatory, officious, humorous, personal, formal, colloquial, etc.? This seminar provides an introduction to different theoretical and analytical approaches to studying language use in context (e.g. pragmatics, sociolinguistics, usage-based grammar, conversational analysis, critical discourse analysis) and an opportunity to critically analyze text and talk. Using the analytical tools acquired through readings and discussions, students will be able to analyze Japanese materials of their selection. The course is designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduate students with interests either (or both) in Japanese linguistics and literature.

A total of 5 units, taken in one or more quarters.

"This course will explore the musical cultures and soundscapes of Buddhism, ranging from monastic chants to classical music to modern pop music. We will study how sounds support practitioners in their personal cultivation and how music helps to communicate with Buddhist deities. We will read primary sources and secondary literature on Buddhism, as well as theoretical works on the study of sacred music. Additionally, we will listen to and analyze sound and video recordings. NOTE: Undergraduates must enroll for 5 units; graduate students can enroll for 3-5 units."

Works and topics vary each year. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: fourth-year Japanese or consent of instructor.

For doctoral students in Japanese working on dissertations.