東京大学大学院総合文化研究科
言語情報科学専攻
Language and Information Sciences, University of Tokyo
In this course we will critically read passages from texts dealing with Japan and examine the various ways in which Japan is narrated and represented. We will start with the classical works of the so-called “nihonjin-ron”, characterized by a holistic approach to define “Japan and the Japanese”. We will then move on to read some texts which take a critical stance to such an approach, that try to deconstruct the idea of Japan as a monolithic whole.
The contemporary discursive context dealing with Japan will also be discussed. Together with these essays and articles, we will also read some literary texts and watch films that deal with Japan, and examine how the author/director deals with the “Japan theme”.
We will be examining both the texts written by Japanese and those written from an outsider’s point of view.
Some of the works we will be covering are:
1) From the classical nihonjin-ron:
Ruth Benedict, Chrysanthemum and the Sword
Chie Nakane, Japanese Society
Takeo Doi, The Anatomy of Dependence
Peter Dale, The Myth of Japanese Uniqueness
Karel van Wolferen, The Enigma of Japanese Power
2) New approaches to “Japan”:
Ross Mouer and Yoshio Sugimoto, Images of Japanese Society
Roland Barthes, The Empire of Signs
O Young Lee, The Compact Culture
3) Films on Japan:
Black Rain
The Last Samurai
Japanese Story
Lost in Translation
In analyzing these works, limited references will be made to theories of modernism and modernity, postmodernism, orientalism, nationalism, etc. Apart from reading and analizing these works, students will be asked to engage themselves in active discussion and exchange their respective visions on contemporary Japanese society.
The class will consist of short student presentations and discussion of the texts. This course is not aimed at providing a systematic knowledge of Japan but is designed to provide an opportunity for students to reflect upon their own understanding of “Japan” by looking at a broad range of texts, which constitute what we might call the Japan narrative. Active participation is classroom discussion is essential for making the course meaningful.
Presentation(s): 30%
Class participation, mini-tests and assignments: 40%
Semester essay: 30%
Photocopies of most of the reading will be provided. Students will also be expected to utilize the library to do their own reading.
A few times during the semester classes will go into the 6th period, as we will be combining film viewing and discussion in some of the classes.
