Spring 2009

JPN 330 • Readings in Pre-Modern Japanese Short Stories

Course Description

This class will develop an advanced reading knowledge of the pre-modern short story form, from the earliest times to the 19th century. The stories will be read in Modern Japanese, but students with a knowledge of Classical Japanese, or who wish to a acquire such a knowledge, may opt to choose to read the texts in their original forms. The content will focus on stories dealing with the supernatural, nature, love, and humour. Some stories will also contain poems. Developing students' understanding of the readings and meanings of kanji, and building a wider knowledge of the vocabulary associated with the characters studied, will be an important part of this course. We will also compare and critique existing translations to throw light on differences of interpretation and technique.

Grading Policy

Homework/In-class assignments: 50%Midterm Exam: 10%Final Project: 20%Attendance/Participation: 20%

Texts

Required TextbookHadamitzky & Spahn. Kanji & Kana. Tuttle, 1981, rev. 1997.Recommended TextbookWatt & Rubinger, Readers Guide to Intermediate Japanese: A Quick Reference to Written Expressions. University of Hawai'i Press, 1998.Optional TextbooksMcCullough, Helen Craig. Bungo Manual: Selected Reference Materials for Students of Classical Japanese. Cornell East Asia Series.Shirane, Haruo. Classical Japanese Reader and Essential Dictionary. Columbia University, 2007.

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