Storytelling in Japan's Empire (and its Aftermaths)
CEAS 300
Fall 2022
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
WLIT 333 |
This course introduces different forms of storytelling in the Japanese Empire (1868-1945), and considers how the ghosts of Empire continue to haunt storytelling in the postwar era (1945 ~ ), as well. By considering texts (in English translation) produced by different individuals navigating everyday life in disparate locations across the Empire (including Korea, Taiwan, and the "home islands" of Japan itself), the course aims to move beyond historical timelines of "big events" and introduce the material realities and struggles, the complexities and contradictions of everyday life under Empire. Although it certainly takes up literary "texts" in the traditional sense of short stories, novels, and poetry, the course understands storytelling as occurring through a range of mediums, including film, music, and manga/graphic novels. By considering a disparate selection of literary, musical, and filmic stories from this period, it strives to attend to some of the contested and competing desires of individuals and entities seeking to navigate conditions of empire, colonialism, and war. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CEAS |
| Course Format: Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-MN)(CEAS)(CEAS-Lit&Cult) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
In this class, we will engage selected works produced during Japan's imperial and post-war periods. Readings may include works by Natsume S¿seki, Kobayashi Takiji, Na Hye-Sok, Yang Kui, Mishima Yukio, and more. We will also examine manga/illustrated works by Mizuki Shigeru, and music and film from selected artists. In addition to primary texts, the class will take up secondary-source readings aimed at helping students to develop historical and contextual understandings of the material addressed in the course. Textual selections change from year to year; refer to course syllabus for a comprehensive list.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Brief reflection papers, annotations of readings, final critical analysis. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
All texts will be in English translation. No prior knowledge of Japanese language or culture, or of history in East Asia, is required. Students do not require any formal background in the study of literature to succeed in this course. |
| Instructor(s): Aalgaard,Scott W. Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: FISK210; |
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