- Japanese Language and Culture

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Setsuko Tsutsumi (Japanese literature, history and language) Major areas of study include Japanese literature, history, film, arts and language. Class Standing: Sophomores or above; transfer students welcome. This program will explore the political and cultural development of Japanese civilization from early times to the evolution of the modern era. We will clarify what makes Japanese culture unique by examining major historical changes over time. We will identify the elements of continuity through the significant changes in Japan's long and distinguished history. Materials will be drawn from literature, history, politics and film. We will have weekly film sessions to complement, illustrate or contrast our weekly program theme. The Japanese language course will be offered in two levels throughout the year to develop insight into the culture. In the fall, we will examine historical developments from early aristocracy to modernization in the Meiji period focusing on the literary and aesthetic traditions of Japanese culture, which constitute the backbone of modern Japan. We will read major literary works, such as The Tale of Genji and Tale of the Heike. The themes we will examine are: Japanese views of nature and life; early myths and chronicles; the glory of aristocracy; the rise of the warrior class; the aesthetics of medieval religion and the arts; the flourishing of townsman's culture; the breakdown of feudalism; and the encounter with the West. During the winter, we will focus on the rise of militarism and the Pacific War. We will explore the American occupation after the war and resulting changes in the structure of society and family. We will pay special attention to the sense of humiliation and loss of self-identity after the war and the changing status of women. Readings will include The Pacific War by Ienaga, Black Rain by Ibuse, and The Setting Sun by Dazai. In the spring, we will conduct a field trip to Japan. The trip represents the culmination of a yearlong study of Japanese culture. The purpose of the trip is to experience Japanese culture first hand and to further extend and develop students' knowledge and skills through daily contact with Japanese people. Students will study Japanese language at Ooka Gakuen, with whom we have developed a long working relationship, while staying with host families. There will be various field trips and exchanges with students at our affiliated college, Hyogo University. Students will also have a chance to develop their own area of interest in Japanese culture through individual research, taking full advantage of living in the culture. The trip will be contingent upon the number of participants and home stay availability. Students who choose not to go to Japan will be able to continue their language study for 4 credits. Total: 16 credits each quarter. Enrollment: 25 Special Expenses: Approximately $100 for four field trips during fall and winter quarters. Optional study abroad to Japan during spring quarter, approximately $4,000 for transportation including airfare, room and board, meals, museum and theater fees. Study abroad payment deadline is February 29, 2008. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in Japanese studies, Japanese literature, Japanese history and Japanese language. A similar program is expected to be offered in 2009-10.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.