Wayward Warriors: Samurai in History and Media
HIST 157
Fall 2026
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01
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The most indelible image of Japan is that of the samurai, a class of warriors who presumably ruled the enduring island nation for over a millennium. While lengthy and prosperous military regimes are not unique to Japan, the rule by the samurai has been a captivating source of national pride and international intrigue due to their supposedly strict adherence to the code of Bushido. Bushido's unique blend of devoting one's life to swordsmanship, honor, and loyally serving one's lord has sparked countless interpretations and exaggerations in all forms of media. This course will explore the factual history of the samurai while also critically analyzing the many fictitious narratives surrounding these wayward warriors throughout the centuries. By the end of this course, you will be able to separate the fact from the many fictitious yet entertaining samurai stories we will explore in literature, film, tv, anime, and video games.
No knowledge of Japan or the Japanese language is required for this course. All texts and subtitles will be in English. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
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