For the first writing assignment, you may select ONE of the topics below.  Write a 3-5 page essay, double-spaced.  Your essay should include a concise, clear “topic” or “thesis” sentence (not merely a repetition of the topic question below) that establishes the direction of your essay. For example:

"This essay will chart the development of Buddhism from the Nara to the Ashikaga period, paying particular attention to the way the religion was adapted to meet Japanese tastes and needs."

According to Morton, “Japanese romances speak of the transitory nature of human glory” (Morton, p. 58).

Or, when citing from the Course Pack:
 

Sei Shônagon illustrates the importance of poetry when she describes in The Pillow Book the elaborate measures courtiers took in seeking inspiration for their verses.  This fact is particularly evident in the “cuckoo excursion” (Course Pack, p. 22).

You do not need to refer to sources beyond the required texts. But if you do, you need to include a bibliography.

Finally, this should be considered a “formal” writing assignment.  Avoid contractions (such as "doesn't" for "does not,") incomplete sentences, and slang.  Italicize the name of book titles and the use of foreign words.  (For example: kami, mono no aware).

For an example of past approaches to these essays, refer to: http://artsci.wustl.edu/~copeland/studentpapers.html

Essays are due on Monday, October 1, 2001.
 

Topic One: Defining the Aristocrat and the Warrior
 

Characterize the cultures of the Heian and the Medieval (Kamakura-Ashikaga) eras.  What distinguishes one from the other?  What features do the cultures share in common?

Approach:  In framing your response, refer to the selections of texts we have from each period: The Pillow Book and The Tale of Genji for the Heian period;  The Tale of the Heike from the Kamakura; and the Noh or the tea ceremony from the Ashikaga.  Make reference to the importance of poetry and the development in aesthetic tastes from expressions of miyabi (courtly elegance) and mono-no-aware (the pathos of things) to sabi (simple elegance) and yugen (sublime, mystery).

Topic Two: A Day in the Life

As an alternative to Topic One, you might want to describe a day in the life of the Heian Courtier/Court Lady.  Or a day in the life of a late Heian warrior.  How did they spend their day, what were their concerns?  You might write from either the third or the first person.  (That is, you could BE the courtier/warrior.)
 

Topic Three:  Buddhist Developments

Describe the importance of Buddhism to Japan.  In your essay, answer one or more of the following:  How was Buddhism received in Japan?  How was it adapted to Japanese needs?  How did it influence the development of Japanese culture. Briefly compare the differences in Buddhism in the Nara, Heian, and Medieval periods.