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Academic Year 2005/2006

Japan's "Others": cultural production of difference
ALIT 209 SP
Crosslistings:
EAST 209

This class will examine various types of texts throughout Japanese history that categorize groups or individuals as being different from the "main" culture of Japan. We will also explore texts attributed to these "othered" groups. Examples will range from early medieval discussions of demons, theatrical representations of China, Okinawan and Ainu literature, views on Christianity in the early modern period, to a modern burakumin writer. The questions we will explore include: how do texts identify and ascribe "otherness"? What is the relationship between the formation of such "otherness" and the establishment of a "Japanese identity"?

MAJOR READINGS

Medieval Buddhist-inspired texts on demons. Premodern theater pieces on Chinese themes. Short stories by the modern buraku writer Nakagami Kenji. Selections from SOUTHERN EXPOSURE: MODERN JAPANESE LITERATURE FROM OKINAWA. Director Yukisada Isao's film Go (2001), on "Korean residents" in Japan.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

In-class presentations, short response papers, midterm paper and a final paper.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA AL&L    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Kawashima,Terry    
Times: ..T.R.. 02:40PM-04:00PM;     Location: FISK314;
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 25)
SR. major: 5   Jr. major: 5
SR. non-major: 5   Jr. non-major: 4   SO: 4   FR: 2

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Reading Non-Verbal Texts, Writing
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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