Classical Japanese Literature: Enduring Aesthetics in Poetry, Prose, Musings, and Plays

Catalog description

Poetry written by gods, erotic exchanges between ranking courtiers, lists of things lovely, war tales, exorcist theater, Buddhist musings, and love-suicide plays enacted by puppets: classical Japanese literature has something for everyone. From the most ancient myths up to the end of the premodern era (c. 1868), we will explore the relationships between art (both high and low), gender, religion, literature, and performance. This course invites us to rethink our assumptions about what literature is, with an aim at understanding the essential aspects of Japanese culture and sensibility before the modern era. In many cases the themes are recurrent and profoundly influence literature of later periods. The written works of the Japanese premodern period can help us understand what it is to be human, both today and one thousand years ago. Class sessions will combine lectures, discussion, and audio- visual materials. All readings are in English translation and class will be taught in English. No previous course work in Japanese literature, history, or language is expected. Offered as JAPN 245 and WLIT 245 . Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Counts as a Understanding Global Perspectives course.