Japanese Courses - 1999-2000

German, Russian, and East Asian Languages: Chinese| Japanese

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 aural/oral skills with attention to the cultural context. A video program supplements the course. Language laboratory required. 2 units – Ericson, Maruyama.

103, 104–Japanese Skill Maintenance. Conversation and limited reading and writing practice in Japanese language. Prerequisite: 101. 1/4 unit each – Maruyama.

130–Japanese Culture. This course presents a critical appreciation of popular Japanese Icons (haiku poetry, tea ceremony,kabuki theatre, samurai, Shinto rituals, and rice) that scrutinizes how cultural practices and institutions have evolved and been adapted to symbolize Japan, both by Japanese and foreign observers. All readings, discussion, and writing will be in English. (Also listed as Asian Studies 130) 1 unit – Ericson.

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. 1 unit – Ericson, Maruyama.

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. 1 unit – Ericson, Maruyama.

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 Masjui, Yasuoka Shotaro, Hayashi Fumiko, Kawabata Yasunari, Abe Kobo, Enchi Fumiko, and OeKKenzaburo. Novels and shorts stories will be supplemented with film and other readings. All readings, discussion, and writing will be in English. (Also listed as Asian Studies 212.) 1 unit – Ericson.

250–Topics in Japanese Studies.

Block 3: Childhood — East and West. A comparative discussion of the history of childhood primarily in the Western European and Japanese traditions will provide a rich basis for examining the current state of childhood. Through an analysis of a variety of printed texts and cultural artifacts from the fields of history, literature, and art, we will come to an understanding of the process of how childhood has evolved. (Also listed as History 200 and Women’s Studies 206) 1 unit – Ericson and Neel.

251–Japanese Women Writers. Japanese women writers wrote the most heralded novels and poetic diaries in the classical literary canon; this celebration of women’s literary contributions is an anomaly among world literatures. Yet for over five hundred years, women’s literary voices were silenced before reemerging in the modern era, when a renaissance of “women’s literature” (joryu bungaku) captured popular imagination, even as it confronted critical disparagement. This course traces the rise, fall and return of writing by women and the influence of attitudes towards gender on what was written and read through a wide array of literary texts, historical documents, and cultural artifacts. (Also listed as First Year Seminar 125 and Women Studies 251 and Asian Studies 251.) 1 unit – Ericson.

301–Advanced Japanese Language. Intensive practice in reading, writing, speaking and comprehending modern Japanese. Prerequisite: 202. (Also listed as Asian Studies 303.) 1 unit – Ericson, Maruyama.

311–Independent Study in Japanese. Supervised projects in Japanese language, literature and culture for advanced students. Consent of department required. Offered as a block course (1 unit) or semester extended format (1/2 unit) – Ericson, Maruyama.

350–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 – Department.