Japanese Culture Courses

The Japanese Studies Program teaches courses on Japanese culture that help students to develop an understanding of Japan from differing angles. In addition to courses on Japan that are offered within the Japanese Studies Program, other departments on the MU campus also teach courses related to or focusing on Japan. Students may also enrich their study of Japan by taking language and culture courses on Japan's closest neighbors, China and Korea, which are also offered at MU.

Japanese Civilization 1 - 2310 - 3 credits
Survey of Japanese culture and arts before 1945. May be taken independently of Japanese 2320. No knowledge of Japanese required. No foreign language credit.

Japanese Civilization 2 - 2320 - 3 credits
Survey of Japanese culture and arts from 1945. May be taken independently of 2310. No knowledge of Japanese required. No foreign language credit.

Japanese Theater - Offered under course 3085, Problems in Japanese - 3 credits
Survey and analysis of Japanese theatrical forms from early precursors of Noh drama and Kyogen, with attention to Kabuki, Bunraku puppet theater, and on through the modern drama of contemporary Japan. Readings and lectures in English.

Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater: History and Practice - Offered under course 3085, Problems in Japanese - 3 credits
This course combines study of the history and texts of the traditional Japanese puppet theater commonly known as Bunraku and training in the manipulation of traditional puppets. Students will learn to techniques of puppet performance and will have the opportunity to audition to perform with MU's own Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe. Readings and lectures in English. (Offered fall 2008).

History of the Japanese Language - Offered under course 3085, Problems in Japanese - 3 credits
A survey of the history of the Japanese language and Japanese linguistics that includes an introduction to classical Japanese grammar, regional dialects, phonology, and development of the writing system. Prerequisite: Completion of Japanese 2160 with a grade of B or higher or instructor's consent.

Classical Japanese Literature (in translation) - 3320  - 3 credits
This course studies Classical Japanese Literature preceded by a brief historical survey of Japanese literature. Analyzes such works as "Essays in Idleness" (Tsurezuregusa) by Yoshida Kenko in the 14th century and "Hojoki" by Kamona Chomei in the 13th century. Readings and lectures in English.

Modern Japanese Literature (in translation) - 3360  - 3 credits
Surveys Japanese literature from 1868 to present. Analyzes works by such authors as Soseki, Tanizaki, Kawabata, Mishima, Oe, Murakami, and others. Readings and lectures in English.

Japan and Its Cinema - 3880  - 3 credits
Survey and analysis of selected Japanese films from the 1940s to present. Films will be viewed and discussed in terms of techniques, artistry, and social impact. English dubbing or subtitles. No foreign language credit.

Other courses offered include Problems (3085) (see listings above), Intermediate Readings (3370), and Topics (2001, 2005, 4005).