This course will consist of reading and discussion of primary texts from China and Japan in English translation. We will read and discuss Taoist [Daoist] philosophy, lyric poetry, short “Tales of the Strange” from 8-9th century China, memoirs of a court lady in 11th century Japan and a gentleman monk in retirement in 13th century Japan, short tales of merchant life in 17th century urban Japan, an autobiography and love story from 18th century China, ending with memoirs from the Cultural Revolution in 1960s China, and a linked-story novel of suburban Tokyo from late 20th century Japan.
We will pay particular attention to the relationship of humans with nature in these two ancient cultures as well as gender relations for each historical period. We will view one film from China, Yellow Earth [1994]. Excerpts of several films from China and Japan will be shown in appropriate context.
Instructor: Jane Parish Yang, associate professor of Chinese and Japanese, Lawrence University