Japanese Studies

Introduction to modern spoken Japanese with an emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Upon successful completion of JAPN 111, students should be able to comprehend and produce Japanese in a range of real-world activities, and to write and recognize both the hiragana and katakana syllabaries.

Curriculum: FL

A continuation of JAPN 111, with an increased focus on kanji characters.

Curriculum: FL

These courses focus on areas of Japanese studies not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs of students.

This course is a broad survey introduction to the popular and mass culture of modern Japan through works of literature, film, animation, art, and media. Students will consider questions of what makes something part of popular or mass culture; how historical, economic, political, and/or societal concerns shape popular tastes, what is represented, and what is considered permissible to represent; and how Japanese culture circulates beyond Japan and East Asia, and how this relates to questions of political power and influence. No Japanese language skills required.

Curriculum: NW

A January travel course designed to explore the history and culture of Japan. Destinations in Japan may vary but will include Tokyo and/or Kyoto. Two weeks of instruction in Ashland and two weeks in Japan. No Japanese language skills are required.

Curriculum: EL

This course will explore the literature of modern Japan in English translation. Topics to be discussed include the relationship between the individual and society; Japan's international relations; WWII and the occupation of postwar Japan; and the modern Japanese family, among others. No Japanese language skills are required.

Curriculum: AE,HU,NW

This course explores the literature and cultural production of premodern Japan, covering from approximately the 8th century to mid-19th century. In particular, this course will examine the relationship between literary writings and the religious, spiritual, and political life of premodern Japan.

Curriculum: AE,HU,NW

JAPN 251 is an accelerated intermediate course in the Japanese language, with increased emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Japanese, and a continued focus on kanji characters (125 total).

JAPN 252 is an accelerated intermediate course in the Japanese language, with increased emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Japanese, and a continued focus on kanji characters (300 total).

This course is an in-depth exploration of modern Japanese culture and society; no previous knowledge of Japan or Japanese is necessary. Topics covered include education, crime, sexuality, international relations, popular culture, the environment, the 2020 Olympics, and Japan’s imperial family, among others. By the conclusion of the course, students should have a comprehensive understanding of contemporary Japanese society. Evaluation will be determined on the basis of discussion, in-class writing assignments, and a final project.

Curriculum: CL,HU,NW

Monsters, magic, and horror have long haunted Japanese popular culture and can tell us much about Japanese society. Starting with Shinto creation myths and traditional ghost tales, this course is an overview of Japanese conceptions of the strange and supernatural, particularly with reference to key points in Japan's history. Through fiction, film, and art, this class will explore the ‘weird side' of the Japanese experience. No Japanese language skills required.

Curriculum: HC,HU,NW

These courses focus on areas of Japanese studies not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs of advanced students.

These courses focus on areas of Japanese studies not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs of advanced students.

This course serves as a general introduction to postwar Japanese film through close examination of several films of Kurosawa Akira, one of the most celebrated directors in the history of the medium. Classic samurai drama such as "Rashomon," "The Seven Samurai," and other period films will be the focus of the course. Students will be introduced to basic theories and concepts in film studies, as well as topics in Japanese history relevant to both the settings and production of the films. Close attention will also be paid to issues of nationalism, gender, war, and cross-cultural adaptation. Japanese language skills are not required. Offered infrequently.

Curriculum: GE,HU,NW

This course is a survey of Japanese culture and society, from the earliest beginnings to the 19th century. We will focus on topics such as the influence of Chinese civilization, the origins of Shinto and Japanese Buddhism, the development of art and literature, and the rise of the samurai class. No Japanese language skills required. Offered alternate years.

Curriculum: GE,HU,NW

This course is a survey of Japanese culture and society from the 19th century to the present. At the completion of the course, students should be versant in the basic themes of modern Japan, including international relations, societal trends, arts and literature, and the globalization of Japanese popular culture. No Japanese language skills are required. Offered alternate years.

Curriculum: GE,HU,NW

This third-year language course is designed to introduce a range of advanced grammar patterns, with a special focus on reading native Japanese literature. Offered as needed.

These courses focus on topics in Japanese not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs of advanced students.

These courses focus on topics in Japanese not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs of advanced students.

An independent study under the guidance of a member of the department. At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA and approval by the curriculum committee are required.