ASIAN 2211

ASIAN 2211

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2017-2018.

This course provides a general introduction to the study of Japan in the humanities and social sciences.  Taking modern Japanese "national histories" as our framework, we will explore how Japan-the-nation has been constructed as a unity through time with narratives of continuity and development, while simultaneously highlighting points of difference and divergence that shake these narratives' foundational concept of an underlying, essential "Japaneseness."  While learning the standard, chronological "story" of Japan, therefore, students will also be exposed to the many "Japans" strategically included or elided in national histories.  We will bring out the sometimes startlingly different ways of conceiving self, other, community, and universe as they altered in response to changing circumstances through close examinations of literature, documents, scripture, and artwork in sections, and lectures exploring the varying configurations of rulership; space; rank/class; gender; sexuality, marriage and family; daily life responsibilities and diversions; and the secular and sacred over time in the Japanese islands.

When Offered Fall (may be offered winter or summer).

Breadth Requirement (GHB)
Distribution Category (CA-AS)
Course Subfield (GE)

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion.

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  8322 ASIAN 2211   LEC 001

  •  8323 ASIAN 2211   DIS 201

  •  8324 ASIAN 2211   DIS 202

  •  8325 ASIAN 2211   DIS 203

  •  8326 ASIAN 2211   DIS 204