Japan has captured the imagination of many writers and readers, including those
who write and read from a distance and in languages other than Japanese. What
motivates one to write about Japan from beyond its borders? What attracts readers to such works? How do the motives of writers and readers cross? How do
such real or conceptual gaps frame our understanding? We will be reading
works by Ruth Benedict, Donald Richie, Kazuo Ishiguro, Yoko Tawada, Haruki
Murakami and others. All readings, discussions, and films will be in English, or
subtitled in English.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: active class participation, presentations, written journals, two short essays, and one longer paper.
No prerequisites. Open to all. Enrollment limit: 15 (expected: 10). Preference
given to Japanese, Asian Studies, and Comparative Literature majors.
KAGAYA