Courses
All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.
532 Media Japanese I
Aspects of Japanese language commonly used in the mass media including newspapers, journals, and TV programs. Prerequisite: JAPANESE 497C or equivalent.
536 Advanced Modern Japanese I
Helps students to read high-quality Japanese texts in some quantity and different genres at the advanced level. Oral and written discussion of pertinent issues. Conducted in Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPANESE 497D.
537 Advanced Modern Japanese II
A continuation of JAPANESE 536 in greater depth and intensity. Prerequisites: JAPANESE 532 and 536.
556H Classical Japanese I
Introduction to the literary language of Japan, through the study of classical grammar and the linguistic analysis of poetry and short prose. Prerequisites: JAPANESE 497A and 497B.
557H Introduction to Classical Japanese II
Critical reading and appreciation of selected major masterpieces in cultural and literary contexts; improving grammar and dictionary skills. Prerequisite: JAPANESE 556 or consent of instructor.
570 Introduction to Japanese Reference and Bibliography
Introduction to Japanese resources available through general reference works, bibliographies, specialized reference materials, and the Internet. Prerequisite: JAPANESE 497C or permission of instructor.
580 Teaching of Japanese as a Foreign Language
Seminar on the theoretical and practical approaches to foreign language learning and teaching. Topics include teaching methodology, lesson planning, material development, testing and assessment, and teacher development. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
591B Seminar in Modern Japanese Philosophy
This offering will focus on the development of philosophy in modern Japan. Concentration will be on some of the major figures of the late 19th and 20th centuries and how they conceived of philosophy in contexts of war, in the ebb and flow of national sensitivities, and in relationship to the West will be major themes. How such philosophy grappled with the questions of “Japanese-ness,” while important here, will not overshadow the fact that philosophers were at the same time trying to cope with major questions about human existence, death, justice, and the ethical dilemmas of modern society. Reading will be from translated primary sources and from related works. Efforts will be made to relate much of this material to contemporary social and ethical problems – thus, it is hoped, showing how the thinking of these modern Japanese may have value and importance even for students with academic and long-term interests not specifically linked to the study of Japan.
591S Japanese Women’s Literature
Although Japan was famous for its thriving female literary culture during the Heian era (794-1185), the centuries that followed were ones in which women authors appear to have played a minor role. It was not until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, with its emphasis upon new and “modern” cultural attitudes and norms, that women became a more significant presence on the Japanese literary scene. In this course, we will explore a number of works from this modern revival of Japanese women’s writing, identify themes that these women explore, the genres to which they contribute, and interrogate the notion of “women’s literature” itself to see how the term has been used (or abused) in the Japanese academy.
591T Tokyo through Literature & Film
In this course we will explore the transformation of Tokyo from Edo into one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities of the world. Taking the themes of maps, disaster, and rebirth, and the role of space in identity formation, we will look at how the city has been transformed and reborn. Our materials will include film, photos, literature, and history in order to delve into the nooks and crannies of the city and the city spaces.
592A Pro-seminar in Japanese 1
Pro-seminars in Japanese literature and literary translation.
592B Pro-seminar in Japanese 2
Pro-seminars in Japanese literature and literary translation.
593 Heian Literary Culture
In “Heian Literary Culture” we will go beyond The Tale of Genji to look closely at a number of other Heian period literary works (all in English translation) that are sometimes skimmed over in survey courses. We also ground our view of this literature in the culture and history of the period, looking at recent scholarly studies for secondary readings. It is strongly recommended that students have a general knowledge of the Heian period before they register for this course. Please contact the instructor for a suggested reading list.
593B Introduction to Japanese Linguistics
Introduction to the fundamental nature of phonology, syntax, and pragmatics of more Japanese. Following a brief survey of basic linguistic concepts, the discussions will be focused on the structure of Japanese and controversial issues.
597A Manuscript Japanese (1 credit, repeatable)
Designed as a critical supplement to the study of bungotai, this course introduces the script forms and orthography that most Japanese texts—whether manuscript, woodblock printed or moveable type—used prior to the twentieth century. Students will become familiar with the basic elements of that script system, from derivation and method to deciphering letters (fall semester) and reading complete texts (spring semester). Prerequisite: JAPANESE 556 or knowledge of classical grammar.
660 Problems and Methods in Translation
Advanced training in practical techniques associated with the translation of modern Japanese; familiarization with appropriate glossaries, dictionaries and other translator’s tools. Discussion of specific problems in Japanese-English translation and practice with a variety of prose styles used in journalistic, political, commercial, literary, and other forms of modern writing. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
691 Graduate Seminar in Japanese
Topic determined by fields and interests of enrolled students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
692B Advanced Thesis Writing
Topic determined by fields and interests of enrolled students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
699 Thesis and Examination
Credit, 6.