Classical Japanese II: Readings

Catalog description

This class is intended to build proficiency in reading a variety of classical Japanese written styles, focusing on texts from the Heian until the early Meiji period. Emphasis is given to texts written in classical Japanese (kobun or bungo). The last quarter of the course will include a brief introduction to kanbun kundoku, or a collection of techniques for reading and writing texts composed in Chinese. We will also practice reading texts composed in hentaigana (variant kana) and kuzushiji (calligraphic writing), which will introduce students to the wahon (native books) literacy movement. Each year, we will study texts organized under a different theme. (LL)