Common images of premodern Japan include those of heroic but brutal samurai, beautiful but oppressed geisha, elegant gardens, the tea ceremony, and enlightened Zen monks. Others see in premodern Japan the roots of present-day Japan's economic strength. While all of these images have some degree of accuracy, to understand them we must place them in the context of the times in which they emerged. This survey course examines the political, economic, social, religious, and cultural development of premodern Japan, with an emphasis on the reading of primary as well as secondary sources. It is both lecture and discussion, and students are expected to be ready to discuss each day's readings in class.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST Grading Mode: Student Option
Prerequisites: NONE
Last Updated on MAR-24-2000
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