Time Schedule:
David Spafford
HSTAS 241
Seattle Campus
Japan's civilization, including its origins, government, literature, economic institutions, material culture, social organization, and religions, in relation to the development of Japan as a society and nation. Cannot be taken for credit if SISEA 341 previously taken. Offered: jointly with SISEA 241.
Class description
This class is a brisk introduction to nearly two millennia of recorded premodern Japanese history. As a survey, the course gives attention to broad themes and problems in Japan’s political, social, and cultural/intellectual history. Topics include the dialectic of national and local identities in shaping Japanese politicalcs, Japan’s interactions with the Asian continent and the Western world, and the changing relations between past and present in various historical periods.
In the course of the quarter, students will read a variety of primary sources (in translation) and secondary scholarship, and will become acquainted not only with a narrative of Japanese history but with some of the salient issues and debates that have shaped that narrative. During lectures and quiz sections alike, students will be asked to engage the readings, so as to grasp the specifics of Japanese history and practice the analytical skills required of historians.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
