Course Details
Country:
Japan
Institution:
Waseda University
Course Title:
Intermediate Seminar (The Tale of Genji and The Tale of the Heike) [E] 01
Course Number:
ARTT281L
Course Description:
The Tale of Genji and The Tale of the Heike are without question the most important prose works of premodern Japan. The former, composed during the Heian period (794-1185), is frequently called the world’s first novel. The latter, which took shape during the early Kamakura period (1185-1333), gives archetypal expression to the theme that those who prosper must inevitably fail. Fully representative of their times, The Tale of Genji reflects the interests and values of an aristocratic society centered on the imperial court, while The Tale of the Heike stands at a point of confluence between the rise of a dominant warrior class and the dissemination of popular Buddhism. This seminar will focus on readings from both of these works, with the aim of encouraging students to explore the distinctive literary and cultural contexts of the classical Japanese tradition.
Language:
English
Approved Equivalent:
JAPA 340
Attachment Files:
Syllabus Search － View Syllabus Information_15.pdf
