LLEA 23301 - Masterpieces of Classical Japanese Literature

Institution:

University of Notre Dame

Subject:

East Asian Lang & Lit

Description:

This course is a survey of Japanese poetry, fiction and drama from the earliest times through the 20th century. All texts are in English and no special knowledge of Japan or Japanese is required. The course is divided into four units. We will begin with the development of court poetry (waka) as found in the Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves) and the first Imperial Anthologies, followed by episodes from the Tales of Ise, and selected chapters from Murasaki Shikibu's masterpiece of courtly love, The Tale of Genji (ca. 1000 A.D.). In addition to social and historical factors influencing the development of a courtly aesthetic, we will also consider the influential role played by Buddhism and Chinese literature. In the second unit we will look at how Japanese literature developed under the patronage of the samurai aristocracy during Japan's 'medieval' period (12-16th centuries) with readings of Noh plays, linked verse (renga) and philosophical essays such as An Account of My Hut and Essays in Idleness. For the third unit, we move to the Early Modern Period with the haiku poetry of Basho, short stories by Saikaku (Five Women Who Loved Love), and The Love Suicides at Amijima, a play by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. For the last unit, we will read a selection of modern stories and plays.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.nd.edu

Phone Number:

(574) 631-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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