Japanese Religions ((3))

Catalog description

Japan boasts a deep and diverse religious heritage that continues to shape Japanese culture and society despite the overwhelmingly secular self-identification of the majority of its people. In this course, we will explore unique developments within Japan's religious traditions and their impact on politics, the arts, social life, and culture. We will take an historical approach, beginning with some of the earliest myths and work our way through the worlds of the imperial court, the samurai castles, paths of mountain pilgrims, up through World War II era state Shinto nationalism and the challenges of modernity. We will utilize primary texts as well as important scholarly works, literature, and film to investigate religious practices and teachings that differ considerably from religious traditions with which students may be more familiar. This will enable us to rethink our own understanding of "religion" as a universal category.