The values of Chinese literary civilization, the role of Confucian classics, developments in lyric prose genres and literary criticism will be examined through a study of representative works. This course examines some of the most influential and widely circulated texts of late-imperial China. We will engage in a comparative analysis of the differences between Chinese and Western conceptions of fiction, drama and lyric. The study of Japanese at the sociocultural and structural level through comparative analyses with English. Basic knowledge of Japanese is desirable.
All readings are in English translation.
Classical Japanese Literature A survey of Japanese literature from the earliest times up to the 19th century. Readings will come from representative texts of poetry, prose and drama, including such works as The Tale of Genji , prose essays by Buddhist monks, waka poetry of the court, the bunraka puppet theatre and other enduring works of the Japanese literary tradition. In addition to examining the structure and development of specific works and genre, lectures and discussions will focus on the sociocultural contexts and values the works represent. All readings are in English translation. Modern Japanese Literature Selected readings in translation of Japanese literature from the Meiji period to the present.