Japanese Society and Culture:influence on Literature

Debashirita GHOSH

Objective
   This is an introductory course on Japanese Society and Literature in English focusing on the aspects of socio-cultural influences on Japanese Literature. This course encourages students to identify such influences and recognize their impact on the creation of a literary piece or a social phenomenon. A range of literary pieces or a corresponding topic would be chosen which represent a captivating aspect of Japanese history. It is expected of the learners to analyze them and introduce fresh perspectives.

Requirement / Prerequisite
   Basic knowledge of Japanese society, culture and literature. Familiarity with literary analysis and interpretation.<
   Learning Outcome:
   Students should be able to relate a literary text to its social and cultural context. Identify, interprete and justify the crucial�@factors that influence Literature.
   Instructional Strategies:
   Hand outs, Mini Lecture, Audio visuals,Group discussions/debates

Course Content
   The aim of the course is to enable students to study and enrich their perspectives on Japanese Literature by identifying the underlying socio-cultural themes. Along with focusing on representative literary works, we also look into Japanese traditions and social norms in order to gain an in-depth understanding of Japanese society.

Schedule

1. Early Japan: Kojiki /Tale of Genji
2. Feaudalism: Hagakure/Tale of Heike
3. Isolation: Ihara Saikaku/Bukegiri Monogatari
4. Meiji Restoration: Fukoku Kyouhei
5. Proliterian Literary Movement: Miyamoto Kenji
6. Occupation: Yukio Mishima: Confessions of a Mask
7. Summary
8. Mass Culture: Manga Boom
9. Diversity and change: Oe Kenzaburo
10. The individual/women: Abe Kobo Women in the Dunes
11. Heirarchy: Giri and Ninjo
12. Religion: Endo Shusaku/ Deep River
13. Education: Tera goya, Gimu Kyoiku,
14. Contemporary Japan: Murakami Haruki
15. Summary

Textbook and Reference
   -Readings

• Keene, Donald (Ed.) (1956) Modern Japanese Literature; Grove press; New York
• Reischauer Edwin O. , Marius B. Jansen(1995) Japanese Today: Change and Continuity, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Varley, H. Paul (2000) Japanese Culture, 4th Edition, Univ. of Hawaii Press, Hawaii

Grading

• Class Participation/attendance: 20%
• Test: Short answers 20%
• Mid-term presentation: 20%
• Essay/defence: 40%