101 Elementary Japanese. Introduction to Japanese language. Students will be introduced to basic spoken and written structures of "standard" Japanese, the two Kana alphabets, and the development of basic basic aural/oral. (Also listed as Asian Studies 102.) 2 units.
103/104 Beginning Japanese Skill Maintenance. JA103/104. Japanese Skill Maintenance. Conversation and limited reading and writing practice in Japanese language. Prerequisite: 101. (Also listed as Asian Studies 105/106.) .25 unit.
130 Japanese Culture. This course presents a critical appreciation of popular Japanese icons (Shintoism, Buddism, budo, samurai, haiku poetry, tea ceremony, kabuki theatre, and rice) that scrutinizes how cultural practices and institutions have evolved and been adapted to symbolize Japan, both by Japanese and foreign observers. All reading, discussions, and writing will be in English. 1 unit.
201 Intermediate Japanese I. The course emphasizes the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills after the elementary level. Video materials supplement the course and place the language in a cultural context. Prerequisite: 101. (Also listed as Asian Studies 221.) 1 unit .
202 Advanced Intermediate Japanese II. The course builds on the language proficiency gained in 201. Increased use of the written and spoken language designed to build proficiency. Prerequisite: 201. (Also listed as Asian Studies 222.) 1 unit.
205/206 Japanese Skill Maintenance. Advanced conversation, reading and writing practice in Japanese language. (Also listed as Asian Studies 215/216) .25 unit.
212 Japanese Literature in Translation. This course examines the way in which post-war Japanese literature reflects the transformation and enduring tensions within Japanese society. Topics include gender roles, the family, individuality, and dissension. Of central concern is the capacity of literature to reflect massive social and economic changes within contemporary Japan and to assess the assumptions of continuity, consensus, and conformity. Works by the following writers will be included: Ibuse Masuji, Yasuoka Shotaro, Hayashi Fumiko, Kawabata Yasunari, Abe Kobo, Enchi Fumiko, and Oe Kenzaburo. Novels and short stories will be supplemented with film and other readings. All readings, discussion, and writing will be in English. 1 unit. (Not offered 2011-12)
250 Topics in Japanese Studies:
250 From Dadaism to New Sensationalism: The emergence of Japanese Modernism. In this class we will read and discuss Japanese modernist literature against the backdrop of its contemporary culture, in an attempt to renegotiate its boundaries. In particular, we will examine its emergence vis-á-vis the new art and literary movements in Europe, such as Dadaism and surrealism. We will focus, although not exclusively on the years between the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Manchurian Incident (1923-1931), when modernist literature came to the forefront of the literary scene along with proletarian literature. An emphasis of our exploration will be placed on the relationship between modernist and proletarian literature, two literary movements that shared many traits and even participants yet are commonly described as antagonistic to one another. Special attention will be given to the short-lived phenomenon of modanizumu, which remains a blind spot in the scholarship of Japanese modernism as it continues to be marginalized in both literary and cultural studies. Writers that will be discussed include Akutagawa Ryûnosuke, Yokomitsu Riichi, Kawabata Yasunari, and Edogawa Rampô. (also listed as PA250). 1 unit. (Not offered 2011-12)
250 Fantasy and the Fanatic in Japanese History and Literature. (Also listed as Asian Studies 250, Comparative Literature 220 and History 200.) 1 unit. (Not offered in 2011-12)
250 The Opening of Japan and the Demise of the Samurai. The objective of this course is to discover how unique the drama associated with the opening of Japan after 1853 was in the history of the world, and how abruptly the nation and people of Japan had to change course to play "catch-up" with the modern world. The individual lives of the many key players in the drama, both Japanese and American, will be studied in as personal a way as possible to fully appreciate the roles they played in the drama. While facts and figures must necessarily play a part in any course dealing with history, the focus will be on the individual players and their accomplishments or failures so that they are "brought to life" as much as possible through reading, discussions, and videos. (Also listed as Asian Studies 250.) .5 unit. (Not offered in 2011-12)
250 Topics in Japanese Studies: Childhood in Japanese History. In this course we will examine the construction of childhood in Japan, primarily through literary texts about and for children. We will supplement this with a variety of texts from other fields (history, sociology, anthropology, art, and music). Through an analysis of the printed text and cultural artifacts, we will come to an understanding of the process of how childhood in Japan has evolved into its current status. (Also listed as Asian Studies 250). 1 unit.
250 Topics in Japanese Studies: Culture and Gender in Japan. In this course we will examine the construction and performance of gender in Japan, through both printed texts and firsthand experience. We will read from a variety of fields, including literature, sociology, theatre, and art as we investigate the interconnections between Japanese cultural traditions and gender roles. Included in the course are visits to museums (e.g. Tokyo's museum of women and work), educational settings (e.g., schools and guest speakers), shrines (e.g., Ise where the Sun goddess deity is enshrined), and theatrical performances (e.g., the all-women's theatre Takarazuka and the all-men's theatre Kabuki). Students will also explore gender roles in Japan through staying with Japanese host families and interacting with Japanese university students. (Offered in Japan only) (Also listed as Asian Studies 250 and Comparative Literature 220.) Consent of Instructor. 1 unit- Ericson. (not offered in 2011-12).
252 Gender and Sexuality in Japanese Literature, Film, and Manga. Explores how Japanese writers have dealt with issues of gender and sexuality from the Heian Period through the modern era. Drawing on literary sources such as The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (11th c.), five Women Who Loved Love by Ihara Saikaku (17th c.), and Kitchen by Yoshimoto Banana (20th c.), as well as films and manga. We will analyze how both male and female authors have portrayed gender and sexuality within an ever-changing landscape. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques requirement.) (Also listed as Asian Studies 250, Feminist and Gender Studies 206, and Comparative Literature 200.) 1 unit. (not offered 2011-12)
301 Advanced Japanese Language. Intensive practice in reading, writing, speaking and comprehending modern Japanese. Taught as an extended format course over one semester. Prerequisite: Japanese 202 or consent of instructor. (Also listed as Asian Studies 301). 1 unit.
302 Advanced Japanese Language II. Intensive practice in reading, writing, speaking and comprehending modern Japanese. Taught as an extended format course over one semester. Prerequisite: Japanese 301 or consent of instructor. (Also listed as Asian Studies 303). 1 unit.
311 Independent Study in Japanese. Supervised projects in Japanese language, literature and culture for advanced students. Consent of department required. Offered as extended format. .50 unit.
305 Advanced Topics in Japanese Literature and Culture. Study of a selected topic in Japanese literature and culture. The course will cover subjects not listed in the regular curriculum and may vary from year to year. 1 unit
401 Japanese Culture and Language. Application of Japanese language skills in the study of Japanese culture, including literature, history, or business. Taught as an extended format course over the full academic year. Prerequisite: Japanese 302 or consent of instructor. (Also listed as Asian Studies 403). 1 unit.
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