Fictional and non-fictional perceptions of Japan, by authors inside and outside Japan

We will read and discuss one or more different texts each week, usually short stories, but sometimes essays or extracts from novels and plays. We will also investigate writing by non-Japanese authors which gives insights into Japan, or provides another perspective on Japan from world literature. It is impossible to cover all important writers and periods, but we will aim to read a variety of significant authors, ranging from early and Heian literature to 20th and 21st century literature. We will occasionally watch film extracts to consider the influence of film adaptations of Japanese literature.

We will aim to identify some of the characteristics, richnesses and common themes of Japanese literature, and see how it represents and contributes to Japanese cultural identity. We will also try to compare and contrast Japanese literature with literature from other countries to gain a sense of the connections between world literatures, and to appreciate the universal human experiences that inspire literary writers.

In Week 1 we will read and discuss a short story. After Week 2, you are asked to read the text(s) before coming to class, so we can use class time for discussion rather than reading. We will discuss both the literary techniques and styles of our chosen works and their wider significance: for example, their cultural impact, or how they reflect and interpret historical events or trends.
Please be prepared to use both Japanese and English in this class. You are welcome to read assignments in either or both languages, but in discussions be ready to refer to texts in both languages, bearing in mind that it makes sense to refer to the original whenever possible.
Early in the course I will introduce texts and lead discussions; as the course progresses students are expected to take a more active role in giving presentations and sharing the results of their research with classmates.

This is my suggested syllabus. It can be adapted so as to include other authors or topics that students are particularly interested in. Please let me know if you would like to suggest other authors or topics.
受講者の数・興味・目的・理解力に応じて，シラバスを変更することもあります。
Please note that this schedule may vary, depending on class numbers, students' interests, goals and abilities.
Two classes will be Zoom classes, and students will be given a week's advance notice of these classes.

During class speaking activities I will make comments. When you give in written assignments I will write comments and corrections.

予習 Preparation is essential every week: please read the text(s) to be discussed in the next class. Also look at documents in WebClass before the class, so that you can prepare anything that is necessary for our class. (If there is anything you don't understand, make a note of it and bring it to class to ask me.) Sometimes I will ask you to research and introduce some authors and their works to classmates.
復習 After class every week: revise what we studied in class, and do any assigned homework.
Please spend at least 90 minutes every week on preparation, revision and homework.

Notes about your marks 点:
(1) You will get good marks for class participation 授業への参加 if you are an active and enthusiastic member of our class, for example speaking frequently in class, and volunteering as spokesperson for your group. You will lose marks if you don't speak in class, or if you give in assignments late.
(2) Your 40% end of term marks will be divided between a presentation (20%) and a report (the written form of your presentation, 20%).

＜No textbook required＞

Original texts in Japanese are available in Seijo Library. The above English-language texts are mostly available in the library.

Please be prepared to use both Japanese and English in this class. You are welcome to use the language you prefer, but when you are using your first language please be considerate towards classmates for whom your language is a second language! Let's make sure everyone feels comfortable in our bilingual classroom.