After an initial discussion of the foundations of the samurai regime of the Tokugawa era, the ideologies that it fostered, and the society that it governed, we shall examine the problems and pleasures of life in the period's big cities, in particular the shogun's capital, Edo. Topics to be treated will include urban space and governance; the townsmen's accommodations and clashes with authority; and popular culture, including a look at the "notorious places," that is, the bawdy theater districts and the ersatz salons of the prostitute quarters. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: classroom participation, a book review or other type of research paper (c. 10-12 pages), and a self-scheduled final examination. Groups C and D

Hour: ELISONAS