As an introduction to Japanese history from earliest times to the 20th century, this course will be organized around the broad categories of “culture” and “politics” as manifested in aristocratic, warrior, and commoner life and in the making of a modern Japanese citizenry. As we examine aspects of Japanese civilization we will consider how culture and politics are interrelated. Within this framework we will survey the ways in which Japanese have over the centuries organized themselves collectively, created meanings for private and social existence, and given expression to thoughts and feelings in physical and mental spaces. We will examine these expressions of Japanese civilization through myths and religious texts, law codes, literature, architecture, pictorial art, oral histories, and other cultural artifacts. The emphasis will be on cultural and social history.

History 157, Fall 2006

Buttrick 206 MWF 9:10-10:00

Professor Gerald Figal
Email

Buttrick 241 (x4712)
Office Hours: MW 10:30-12:00