S?seki/Modernization of Japan

Catalog description

This seminar examines the major novels of Natsume Soseki (1867-1916), arguably Japan’s most important and respected modern writer and public intellectual. Soseki lived-and suffered-through the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the era during which Japan transformed from a closed, rigidly stratified feudal society run by samurai bureaucrats into a modern, imperialistic nation-state. Through close reading of secondary sources and artistic works, discussion, application of critical theory, and independent research and analysis, students will trace Soseki’s evolving thoughts, insights and critiques regarding the profound impact and consequences of rapid industrialization, militarization and nationalization on Japan and Japanese society, culture, people and international affairs.