A modernizing revolution, the construction and collapse of an empire, devastating defeat in a World War, occupation by a foreign power, and high-speed economic growth have marked Japan's modern experience. This course will examine the main themes of modern Japanese history with a focus on how various "ordinary people" have lived through the extraordinary changes of the past century and a half. Through the perspectives of ordinary people, from a young girl working in a cotton textile factory in the 1920s to a salaryman in the post-World War II period, issues of class and status, gender, family, education, and work will be addressed. Reading materials will include autobiographies, oral histories, and anthropological studies. Format: discussion/lecture. Evaluation will be based on class participation, response papers, two short papers (5 pages) and a self-scheduled final exam. No prerequisites. No enrollment limit (expected: 30). Open to all. Group C