Introduction to Classical Japanese Literature

Nov. 4 Work of literature: The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter Assoc. Prof. Shikiko KAWAKAMI

Course Description
Whether it be the eloquent verse of an Ono no Komachi who pines for her lover, the amorous tales of a Hikaru Genji who in turn learns of his own wife’s seduction by another man, or the heroic account of a Yoshitsune who, despite achieving victories in battle, is ultimately pursued to the point of death by his own brother, classical Japanese prose and poetry pose important questions for us to consider.

What events, what things, what qualities provoked the artistic sensitivities of pre-modern Japanese writers and moved them to literary expression? What appealed to them and what did not? What were the objects of Japanese aesthetic appreciation? What ideas and values have gained acceptance in present-day Japan, and how have others been altered to suit modern tastes?

In the course of our study, we will attempt to answer these and other questions based on a careful reading of selected works. We will explore themes such as mononoahare, wokashi, irogonomi, mujo, yugen, hana, fuga, wabi/sabi, sui/iki/tsu, giri/ninjo, kanzenchoaku, etc., as seen in representative works from the Nara Period through Edo times. In many cases the themes are recurrent, drawing upon the literature of preceding eras or profoundly influencing that of later periods, and they offer valuable insight into Japanese ideals and ways of thinking. We will also discuss examples, as seen in the literature, of pre-modern Japanese conventions, cultural practices and social values ― tsumadohi, inton (tonsei), masurawo vs. tawoyame, hoganbiiki, to name a few.

Details

Year/Term
2010 / Second semester
Date
November 4th to December 2nd, 2010
Faculty/
Graduate School
General Education
Language
English
Instructor name
Shikiko KAWAKAMI(Associate Professor)

Syllabus

Outline and Purpose of the Course
Some of the genres we will cover in our discussion:  waka poetry (Manyoshu, Kokinwakashu, Shinkokinwakashu, etc.); chronicles/histories (Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, etc.); diaries (Tosa Nikki, etc.); narrative prose (Genji Monogatari, Heike Monogatari, etc.); essays (Makura no Soshi, Hojoki, Tsurezuregusa); critical studies of poetry and prose (Mumyosho, etc.); drama (noh, joruri, kabuki); haikai (haiku) poetry (Oku no Hosomichi, etc.); as well as the popular prose fiction of Edo Period writers (Koshoku Ichidai Otoko, Ugetsu Monogatari, etc.). We will also address writing styles and literary devices used in these works and examine their various functions.

Class time will be devoted to lectures and class discussion.
Schedule and Contents
Nov. 4 Work of literature: The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter  Video
Period: Heian Period
Genre: monogatari
Themes/topics: the ideal woman, nandaimuko, courtship

Nov. 11 Work of literature: (1) The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, continued; (2) The Tales of Ise  Video
Period: Heian Period
Genre: monogatari
Themes/topics: (1) onri-edo, the legend of Hagoromo;(2) the ideal man, miyabi, kishu-ryuri

Nov. 18 Work of literature: (1) The Tales of Ise, continued; (2) The Tale of Genji  Video
Period: Heian Period
Genre: monogatari
Themes/topics: (1) miyabi, hinabi, irogonomi; (2) the ideal man/woman, sukuse, polygamy

Nov. 25 Work of literature: The Tale of Genji, continued  Video
Period: Heian Period
Genre: monogatari
Themes/topics: kishu-ryuri

Dec. 2 Work of literature: (1) The Tale of Genji, continued; (2) The Pillow Book  Video
Period: Heian Period
Genre: (1) monogatari; (2) zuihitsu
Themes/topics: (1) inga-oho, rinne-tensho (Heian Period and Buddhism), (mono no) aware; (2) okashi
Evaluation Methods and Policy
(1) Class Attendance and Participation (30%)
(2) Term Paper 70% (Paper 50%, Outline/Working Bibliography 20%)
Each student will be required to write a term paper presenting critical analysis of a work (or excerpt of a work) of his/her choice in relation to one or more of the themes explored in class. In addition, each student will be expected to submit an outline and working bibliography prior to submitting his/her paper. Further details regarding the term paper assignment and paper topics will be explained in class. Students will have the opportunity, and are encouraged, to discuss specific concerns regarding their paper with the instructor throughout the course.
Textbooks/References, etc.
[Reference]

Keene, Donald (ed.) Anthology of Japanese Literature: from the earliest era to the mid-nineteenth century, Grove Press, 1955.

McCullough, Helen Craig (ed.) Classical Japanese Prose: An Anthology, Stanford University Press, 1990.

Carter, Steven D. (trans.) Traditional Japanese Poetry: An Anthology, Stanford University Press, 1991.

Miner, Earl et al. The Princeton Companion to Classical Japanese Literature, Princeton University Press, 1985.
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