KUGF Course Guide 2018

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Module 4Japan StudiesJapanese Philosophy and ThoughtsThis Japanese Philosophy and Thoughts course explores main philosophical thoughts in Japan from ancient to modern times. This course traces some of the influences of social, political, and economical factors on the development of the philosophical ideas. It also gives students an opportunity to study these concepts through an examination of various contemporary issues Japan is faced with today. This course will mainly be student-driven, and thus students are expected to actively engage with others in the course and prepare to discuss the topics in class. They will also have an opportunity to prepare and deliver an individual or group presentation towards the end of the semester.Some topics examined in this course include "wa, nationalism, internationalism, and globalism,” “Kamakura Buddhism and apocalyptic thought,” and “Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism, feudalism, and Bushido.” No prior knowledge of Japanese philosophy and thoughts required.2 creditsSpring SemesterJapanese ArtsThis course introduces students to the history of the visual and performing arts of Japan. The arts will be treated chronologically, from the earliest times to the present. Subjects covered will include paintings, sculpture, architecture, tea, literature, clothing, Noh, Kabuki, Bunraku, Shingeki, and music.2 creditsSpring SemesterJapanese Culture(JPN Culture and Contemporary Literature)In this course we will investigate the issue of gender in Japanese society since the end of WWⅡ as femininity and masculinity are represented in fiction and film.2 creditsSpring SemesterJapanese History(The History and Culture of Medieval Japan)This course will look at society and culture in Japan roughly between 1200 and 1600. Medieval Japan was influenced at all levels by the rise in power of the samurai, and their distinctive culture holds much fascination for students of Japanese history and society. Social and cultural contributions by warriors are a central theme throughout the course. However, peasants and those outside the periphery of power were also an extremely important factor in the development of medieval Japanese culture. Various facets such as the arts and religion will be considered in my series of lectures. By the end of the course, students will have learned about the unfolding of historical processes during this turbulent time in Japanese history, as well as the evolution of many aspects of traditional culture and ideals.2 creditsSpring SemesterJapanese Literature(Intro. to Classical JPN Literature)This course is designed as an introduction into the classical Japanese literature but the focus will be on three representing works: Man'yoshu, Kojiki, and Oku no Hosomichi. There are particular reasons for these historical cuts. The voluminous poem collection Man'yoshu, which presumably was finished in the second half of theeighth century, marks the very beginning of the Japanese literature. This is not only true in regard to lyrical poetry but to story telling (narration) as well. During the last years a couple of theses on this poem collection were written in English or other western languages and some of them published as a book. Therefore it is no exaggeration to assert a kind of a "Man'yoshu boom“, what can be said for the Kojiki as well. The Kojiki from the early 8th century is Japans oldest work of prose literature and consists of myths and history. The first translation into English by B.H. Chamberlain is from 1882, the newest one by G. Heldt from 2014. The Oku no Hosomichi, a short travelogue from the late seventeenth century by Matsuo Basho, is without any doubt one of the most famous works of the Japanese literature. This is also made clear by the fact that between 1933 and 2005 about eleven translations into English were published. Nevertheless － and interestingly enough －there is almost no research in English or other western languages, and we have to ask for the reasons for this contradiction. In this course we are going to examine these works, particularly the use of characters and writing, and compare the different translations. Another important issue will be a closer look on the research on these works conducted in English. However, presentations (group or single), which are one way to reach the full grade score, can be dedicated to other works or themes as well (Ise or Genji Monogatari, Kokin Wakashu, story telling/narration, western research on Japanese classical literature, literature theory and so on). Of course, Japanese students are welcome, too, but we expect active participation.2 creditsSpring SemesterCourse Guide 20185