Japanese literature : lecture

This course will introduce students to representative works of early modern Japanese literature in the context of the texts' historical, cultural, and
ideological backgrounds.
We will consider what kind of changes "modernization" brought through literary materials.
The course contents are roughly indicated in the "Lesson Plan," but it may be altered according to the level of understanding of the students.

Japanese literature, early modern literature, modern literature

1) Orientation
2) Lecture on the Otogizoshi and the Kanazoshi
3) Lecture on the Ukiyozoshi
4 and 5) Lectures on the works of Ihara Saikaku
6 and 7) Lectures on the works of Chikamatsu Monzaemon
8) Early haiku: Renga: The emergence of haiku
9) Lecture on Matsuo Basho's "Back Roads to Far Towns"
10) Lecture on Ueda Akinari's "Ugetsu Monogatari"
11) Lecture on early plays
12) Lecture on late plays
13) Lecture on Meiji enlightenment literature
14) Lecture on modern literature and novels
15) Review, explanation of supplementary materials, course survey
Mid-term essay: Themes will be presented after the 7th session and the deadline for submission is approximately one month later.
Final essay: Themes will be presented after the 12th session and the deadline for submission is approximately one month later.

Syllabus (Japanese site only)