Japanese Myths and Legends

Carmen Tamas (Graduate School of Human Sciences)

Cource Objective
   This course aims to make the students more familiar with Japanese traditional culture by introducing Japanese myths and legends, as well as present-day customs and rituals that have roots in the ancient tales.

Course Content
   During this course, the students will first acquire the basic knowledge related to the study of mythology and rituals, then they will be introduced to the world of ancient Japanese myths. However, as myths are only relevant as long as they play an active role in contemporary society, after a short introduction of classic texts, modern productions (movies, manga etc.) and their significance in modern society will be discussed in class. The purpose of this course is to offer the students both the information and the necessary tools that will allow them to identify and interpret universal themes and motifs that are recurrent and influential not only in Japanese culture, but in societies all over the world. Topics to be discussed (the content is subject to change): 1. What is myth? Myth, mythography, mythographers; 2. Introduction to ritual studies; 3. Ancient Japanese Myths-- the creation of the world; 4. "The Birth of Japan"-- movie viewing and discussion; 5. Old themes in new productions-- movies I; 6. Old themes in new productions-- movies II; 7. The Voyage to the Underworld; 8. The Hidden Sun; 9. Amaterasu and "Onmyouji II" (old themes in new productions); 10. The Myth of the Hero; 11. Quests and Trials; 12. Old themes in new productions: "Princess Mononoke"; 13. Universal and culture-specific elements in myths and legends; 14. The Gods of Good Luck; 15. Conclusions

Textbooks
   Materials will be provided by the instructor.

Grading Policy
   Presentation 50%, class participation 50%