REL 254 Religion and Culture in Contemporary Japan (Not offered 1999-2000)*
The course provides a critical understanding of contemporary Japanese religiosity. We begin by examining the momentous changes brought about by modernization during the second half of nineteenth century, in which a radical restructuring of the religious field occurred, culminating in the "separation" (that is, the "creation") of "Buddhism" and "Shintoism" as two distinct entities. We discuss in depth the nature and importance of their distinction, because it also affects our understanding of premodern Japanese religion. We study the relationships between religion and politics in the first half of the twentieth century, in particular nationalism, totalitarianism, and war. The course also presents aspects of contemporary Japanese religiosity. Lecture and discussion. Requirements: full attendance and participation, 3-page critical comments on weekly assignments, and a final paper. Open to all classes without prerequisite.