Japanese Course Atlas: Fall 2008
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JPN 101: Elementary Japanese I

Section 000 Staff MW 9:35-10:25 and TT 8:30-9:45 Limit 15
Section 001 Takeda MW 10:40-11:30 and TT 10:00-11:15 Limit 15
Section 002 Takeda MW 11:45-12:35 and TT 11:30-12:45 Limit 15
Section 003 Staff MW 12:50-1:40 and TT 1:00-2:15 Limit 10
4 credits

Content: Elementary Japanese is designed to introduce students to the everyday language of Japan. Lessons will be organized around natural conversational topics, leading students from fundamental aspects of grammar to readings in simple texts. In JPN 101, students will begin learning to read and write in the hiragana and katakana syllabaries, as well as kanji (Chinese characters). Classes will be primarily conversational in format.

Texts:
Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
, The Japan Times

Particulars: No prerequisites except serious interest and willingness to work.


JPN 190: Introduction to East Asian Studies

Section 00P Crowley TT 2:30-3:45 Limit 15 (Freshman only)
4 credits

Content: An overview of major issues in the study of the cultures and societies of China and Japan. We will discuss some of the most important texts in the traditions of East Asia, such as the Analects of Confucius, the "Daodejing", the Lotus Sutra, and the Tale of Genji -- works of great beauty, power, and antiquity that continue to shape and influence contemporary life. Topics to be covered include art, nature, social relationships, values, and spirituality.

Texts: TBA

Particulars: TBA


JPN 201: Intermediate Japanese I

Section 000 Nishi MW 10:40-11:30 and TT 10:00-11:15 Limit 13
Section 001 Nishi MW 11:45-12:35 and TT 11:30-12:45 Limit 13
4 credits

Content: Intermediate Japanese aims to further develop language skills and increase familiarity of Japanese culture. The emphasis is on accurate communication in Japanese, both spoken and written, that is appropriate to the given context.

Texts: Genki II: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese, The Japan Times

Particulars: Prerequisite is JPN 102 or consent of the instructor.


JPN 270WR:  Introduction to Japanese Culture
Section 000 TT 1:00-2:15 Crowley Limit 10
Same as ASIA 270WR Limit 2
Same as EAS 270WR Limit 3

Content:  An introduction to aspects of the study of the culture of modern Japan. We will explore such issues as writing and writing systems, gender, memory and history, geography and the environment, science, aesthetics, and the formation of national identity. No background in Japanese studies is required. Special attention will be given to these questions: When is Japanese culture? How do the Japanese view their culture and tradition, and how is it viewed by non-Japanese? How have these views changed throughout history?

Required Texts: Texts will include (but not be limited to) Helen McCullough, Genji and Heike, Ryusaku Tsunoda, et al., eds., Sources of Japanese Tradition; Yoshida Kenko, Essays in Idleness, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai, Conrad Totman, Japan Before Perry, and films.

Particulars:  No Prerequisite.


JPN 301: Advanced Conversation and Composition I

Section 000 Staff TT 10:00-11:15 Limit 13
4 credits

Content: The course is designed for students to develop fluency in spoken Japanese as well as enhance writing skills. Cross-cultural awareness will be more emphasized and close attention will be paid to developing sophisticated expressions and nuances in the language.

Texts: TBA

Particulars: Prerequisite is JPN 202 or consent of the instructor.


JPN 372WR: Introduction to Modern Japanese Literature

Section 000 Bullock TT 2:30-3:45 Limit 10
Same as ASIA 372WR Limit 2
Same as EAS 364WR Limit 3
4 credits

Content: This course is a survey of Japanese literature from the middle of the nineteenth century to the present. One goal of the course is to introduce students to the nature and range of literary genres as they developed in the context of Japan's confrontation with modernity. Another is to present and open for discussion issues in contemporary literary theory in order to understand and analyze important aspects of Japanese literature and culture, such as modernity, gender, nationalism, intertextuality, Orientalism, and identity. All texts are in English translation.

Readings include:
Kokoro, Natsume Sôseki,
Naomi, Tanizaki Jun’ichirô,
A Wild Sheep Chase, Murakami Haruki,
Kitchen, Yoshimoto Banana

Particulars:  This course counts toward the Asian Studies major and Japanese major and minor.


JPN 378WR: Postwar Japan Through Its Media

Section 000 Bullock TT 4:00-5:15 Limit 10
Same as ASIA 378WR Limit 2
Same as EAS 378WR Limit 3
4 credits

Content: This course examines the way the postwar Japanese experience has been reflected (and constructed) through various types of popular media. Through film, television, magazines, newspapers, music, and manga, we will explore the various ways in which Japanese society has narrated its experiences of recovery and rebuilding after World War II, and the role these media sources have played in this reconstruction. Whenever possible, class discussions will incorporate methodologies of cultural criticism that elaborate the relationships between media, representation, and national or racial identity.

Required Texts: TBA

Particulars: No prerequisites.


JPN 397R: Directed Study

00P (Permission Only) Faculty


JPN 401WR: Advanced Language and Cultural Studies I

Section 000 Nishi TT 1:00-2:15 Limit 10
4 credits

Content: This course focuses on Japanese culture through readings and discussion of literary texts and materials from current periodicals and newspapers. This course is conducted in Japanese.

Texts: TBA

Particulars: Prerequisite is JPN 302 or consent of the instructor.


JPN 495A: Japanese Honors I

Section 00P (Permission Only) Faculty


JPN 496R: Japanese Language Internship

Section 00P (Permission Only) Faculty


JPN 797R: Directed Studies in Japanese Language or Culture

Section 00P (Permission Only) Faculty


Last updated August 19, 2008