MDVL 280CJapanese History to 1600

Catalog

A survey of Japanese history from the premodern period into the 17th century. Students will learn about the origins of the Japanese imperial house, the rise of the warrior class (samurai), the history of Japan's engagement with the wider world, and the influence that Korean, Chinese and Indian cultures had on the development of Japan's own. Regular reading questions and quizzes will test students' knowledge of specialized terminology and historical concepts, while writing assignments and short papers on primary sources will provide the opportunity to practice skills required for original historical research. Course discussion will cover different approaches to the study of history-such as environmental, intellectual, and social history-and how each approach changes the historical narrative. No previous coursework required.