This course surveys the development of Japanese culture and society from earliest times to the early nineteenth century and discusses myths, stereotypes and realities about Japan's so-called traditions and characteristics, with occasional questions of how and why the misperceptions of the past persist today. Topics to examine include: the emperor's institution; samurai (warrior) culture; women's place in society; feudalism vs. anti-authoritarian tradition; cosmopolitanism vs. isolationism; and towns and villages, all in a comparative framework of world history. Reading primary sources (literary works as well as of political, ethical and religious documents) and regular in-class review of videotaped segments of traditional arts, crafts, festivals, historic places and even computer-graphically re-created historic events, will encourage a balanced sense of a living past in today's Japan. Lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on class participation, two 5-page papers and a midterm and a final exam (both take-home). Enrollment limited to 30.

Hour: KOSHIRO