Many of us know Japan today through a hodgepodge of mass-produced goods and pop-culture images: cars, robots, electronic gadgets, karaoke singing, anime cartoons and video games. The arrival of these products on the world market, however, is just the latest development in the transformation of Japan from a largely peasant society to a highly urbanized, intricately managed, technology- and media-saturated one. Through historical readings as well as literature, film and ethnography, this course will trace the trajectory of that change from the late 19th century to the present, looking particularly at the impact of "massification" on culture. In the process, we will explore several approaches to conceptualizing mass society and its contemporary manifestations in Japan. Conducted in English.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course explores the ways culture and cultural expressions in twentieth century Japan have registered the claims of modernity. A key objective of the course is to introduce the breadth and depth of the problem of modernity in Japan, especially as literary writers have engaged it. Some issues we will explore include the invention of tradition, new ways of conceiving Japan's relationship to other nations and people, and the often-reciprocal relationship this cosmopolitanism had with certain kinds of national identities. This course aims to provide the student with the conceptual and cultural tools to engage in an informed manner with contemporary cultural issues in Japan today. Readings include novels and interpretive works on literary, cultural and socio-historical topics related to the problem of modernity in Japan. This course will be conducted in English; all readings are in English. Fall.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 3
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course will introduce a variety of readings that speak to current issues in modern Japanese political culture. The emphasis will not be on political science, narrowly construed, but on the broader kinds of issues, debates and themes that are prominent in current national Japanese media. Topics may include: the history of the Japanese national flag, the shifting attitudes of Japanese people toward their state, different expressions of Japanese ethnic identity and culture. The goal of this course is to prepare the student linguistically and conceptually for independent analysis of current Japanese political and cultural debates. All readings are in modern, standard Japanese; the class may be conducted in either English or Japanese, depending the desires and skill-level of the class. Spring.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course focuses on a series of readings of selections from Modern Japanese Literature by leading Twentieth Century authors, covering the period from around 1920 to the 1990s. The selections are mainly from leading works of fiction, but some selections from poetry and drama are also included. Authors include Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Tanizaki Jun'ichiro, Dazai Osamu, Kawabata Yasunari, Mishima Yukio, Abe Kobo, and Murakami Haruki. Each selection consists of an extended section in Japanese from an author, with English and Japanese vocabulary notes and Japanese analyses for each. Relevant comparisons will be made among the various authors and their works, from the perspective of their historical and social contexts. This course is in Japanese, combining content and language learning. Prerequisite: JAPN-212 or equivalent.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course provides advanced training in reading and writing in Japanese, using selected texts on the Japanese language and culture. Analyses of texts will be combined with discussions and written assignments to improve both written and oral communication skills. The topics discussed in the course will include the characteristics of the Japanese language, a comparison between Japanese and other languages, gender differences in language use, language change, foreign words, and honorification. Various reading assignments, oral and written assignments, and frequent quizzes will be given. Active participation in class discussions is required. This course satisfies one semester of the College's social science general education requirement. Prerequisite: JAPN-212 or equivalent.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course introduces a wide range of topics in Japanese linguistics. The objectives of this course include: (a) to familiarize the students with basic notions and terminology used in Japanese linguistics; (b) to familiarize the students with major issues in different areas of Japanese linguistics; and (c) to give the students experience in the linguistic analysis of Japanese. It will cover the basics of Japanese syntax, morphology, semantics, phonetics, and sociolinguistics. Various reading assignments and data analysis assignments will be given. Conducted in English. This course satisfies one semester of the College's social science general education requirement. Prerequisite: An introductory course in linguistics and/or knowledge of Japanese.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course introduces major issues and relevant theories in the acquisition of Japanese in order to obtain a better understanding of first and second language acquisition processes. Issues are selected on the basis on the following questions: (a) What are major differences between acquiring Japanese as a first language and a second/foreign language? (b) How does knowledge of a first language influence learning of Japanese? (c) Are there any aspects that differentiate the acquisition of Japanese from that of other languages? If so, what are they?, and (d) How is Japanese taught as a second/foreign language in classroom settings and what effects does instruction have? The course discusses the traditional and current theories of language acquisition and critically examines recent studies on the acquisition of Japanese to determine the validity of the theories. Students are expected to obtain insights into the issues in Japanese acquisition research, formulate research questions, and possibly design and conduct a study. Rigorous participation in class discussion, oral report, written assignments, data collection and analysis, and term project/paper are required. Conducted in English. This course satisfies one semester of the College's social science general education requirement.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course examines kanji, the logographic scripts in Japanese, and kanji learning from historical, linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociocultural, and pedagogical perspectives. Topics includes history of kanji, kanji and culture, the linguistic functions of kanji, orthographic processing, kanji instruction for both first (L1) and second language (L2) learners, and kanji learning strategies. In order to obtain a better understanding of kanji possessing and learning, the course provides an overview of major issues and relevant theories in kanji research with regard to L1 and L2 learners, familiarizes students with research methodologies, and develop the ability to critically examine their methodologies and findings and formulate testable research questions. For the course project, students will choose one of the following three options: (a) to increase their own kanji knowledge by learning 1006 kyooiku kanji, (b) to design innovative, effective kanji learning materials and activities, and (c) to write a term paper. Rigorous participation in class discussion, oral report, written assignments, library research, and term paper are required.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 03
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course will focus on notable films of the Nineties, in terms of thematic development, comparing groups of cinematic works which deal with similar themes from different perspectives. Of the ten films selected for this semester, five are based on literary works in book form, and five are original cinematic works whose scripts have exceptional literary merit. All the films are outstanding in terms of dramatic and artistic merit as well, and all reflect important Japanese cultural, social and philosophical concepts, and ways of looking at and dealing with the world. The themes dealt with in the films include social commentary, humor, crime, adventure and fantasy. Two of the films are animated, and one, called "Spirited Away" in English, won the 2003 Oscar Award for Best Animated Film. All films are available in U.S.-compatible DVD format. They can be viewed at any time via the Lauinger Library AV Learning Resource Center. Conducted in English. Online syllabus available. Fall.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 3.0
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
A study of traditional Haiku, used as a medium for learning Japanese poetic images and cultural concepts. The material covers a wide range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, many of which are commonly used in the modern spoken language. The originals are studied through the medium of interpretations in modern standard Japanese. The course provides a developmental historical survey of Haiku, and all major traditional poets are included. Prerequisite: Japanese 212 or equivalent. Spring.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course focuses on Basho's literature in relation to his travels through Edo Japan. In addition to readings of selections from Basho's travel journals in the original, the course also features an analysis of Basho's Nagoya renku cycle, Fuyu no hi, along with a companion study of the realizations of the lines from this renku cycle in Fuyu no hi, the 2003 Ministry of Education Cultural Award-winning anime film in Japanese.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course explores the various forms of nationalism in modern Japan (political and economic, but especially cultural, aesthetic and ethnic) and how they have co-existed with and contested imperialism, militarism and even democracy. It emphasizes nationalism as a cultural theory of identity that has political and moral implications. Building on a theoretical understanding of nationalism as a modern phenomenon, it looks beyond high politics to a range of cultural, literary and intellectual texts for evidence of how national identity has been articulated in Japan and what its political significance may be. In the past, readings have focused on anthropological theories of the origins of the Japanese people, Marxist nationalism in postwar Japan, and contemporary "nationalisms" that range from economic to educational expressions. Every effort will be made to read works by Japanese writings and especially recently published material. The course and all readings are in English.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
The Senior Seminar will focus on critical approaches to literary, historical, and cultural studies. It will cover broad themes on theoretical issues and will bring in different disciplines, and guide students in the writing of individual research papers. Required for all majors. Fall.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
An introduction to the development of major traditional forms, including poetry, drama and fiction. Selections are from works including the Imperial Poetry Anthologies, Noh and Kabuki, and the Tale of Genji, with study of original passages through the medium of interpretations in modern Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPN-212 or equivalent.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 3
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 3
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 3
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 3
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 3
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
Credits: 3
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course will serve as a forum for the initial part of your senior thesis work. Our goal is to work together to see to it that all JUPS seniors finish a draft of their thesis during the Fall term. Final work will be carried out in the Spring. All students should have a proposal including a description of their project and a faculty mentor by the beginning of Fall term. Please contact Professor Wisler with any questions
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
This course engages students both intellectually and personally in grappling with issues of violence and conflict, peace and justice. Students will be expected to become active thinkers and participants in efforts to address issues of violence with hands-on anti-violence work in local Washington D.C. neighborhoods and through engagement in class with the discourse, theories, models, language, and skills of the emerging discipline of conflict resolution.
Score: 5.473717 Details | Listing | Web page
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