This survey of Japanese literature is the second in a noncontingent series and covers the 17th to the 19th century. Primary focus will be on the Genroku era (1688-1703) which witnessed the growth of lively urban centers and the emergence of a robust literary voice.  Emphasis on the ideological and cultural contexts for the development of a variety of new innovations in the genres of poetry (haiku), theater (kabuki and bunraku) and prose (kana zôshi). Required of all Japanese majors and recommended for Chinese majors.  No knowledge of Japanese language is required.  Sophomore standing and above recommended. 3 units. Same as L03 East Asia 336C

Requirements In order to facilitate class discussions, all reading assignments should be prepared in time for the class meeting.  Absences are strongly discouraged.  Students will be asked to write three short essays  (see “Papers” below) and  will also be expected to complete a midterm and final examination.

Evaluation
Attendance/Participation/Reaction Papers             10%
Papers                                                                  40%
Midterm                                                                20%
Final                                                                      30%

Graduate Students must enroll in L05 500 in order to receive credit for this course and will need to see me for their course requirements.

Papers Three papers of 5-10 pages will be required as indicated on the syllabus.  These papers should address one or more works read in class and should reveal a certain amount of outside reading.  (See Reading List)  Students will be provided a selection of topics for the papers but may also choose to work on a topic of their choosing (with instructor's consent). Papers should be written in good essay form (that is to say, with a strong, concise, coherent thesis reasonably argued and supported), and should be typed, double-spaced, with footnotes (or endnotes) and bibliography as necessary.  More details about the format of the papers will be provided in class.  Some students may like to try their hand at a parody of one of the works read in class.  (A haiku journal, an account of a woman who loved love, or your own "up-to-date" bathtub!)  Parodies will be happily permitted. But only one per student.  Papers must be turned in on time for credit.  And students must comply with the Statement of Academic Integrity. Click here to see suggestions for your First Writing Assignment, due February 12. Click here to see suggestions for your Second Writing Assignment, due April 2.

 
 
 

Notebooks This course involves considerable reading from a variety of genres and eras.  Names and titles will begin to blur.  Students are encouraged to keep a notebook.  Write entries for each work read.  Summarize the plot, categorize the work according to genre, list the author's name, and most important, jot down your reaction to the work and any questions it raises.  Bring your notebooks to class.  I will not check them.  But I may ask you to share your reactions with others.

 
 

Examinations
There will be a midterm and a final exam.  The final will be comprehensive.  The format for the exams will include short identification of terms, names, and passages from the texts and also essays.  Prior to the exams, students will receive a checklist to help with preparations.
 
 

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