授業の目的 【英語】
Goals of the Course [ENG] | | | 【Standardized across all programs】 Literature, most often dealing with the real problems of life or society through the description of fictitious characters or events, directly appeals to the mind of readers and inspires strong emotions. It so motivates us to learn about the past, think about the present and see into the future. This course of literature, unlike those in schools where the importance is given to the correct reading of the authorized materials of the textbooks, sees wider range of literary works and offers varied methods of reading, and above all aims at deeper understanding of them. |
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授業の達成目標 【英語】
Objectives of the Course [ENG] | | | The course is designed for first and second year G30 undergrad students but is also open to NUPACE and NU-emi students interested in Japanese literature. It is intended as a general overview of modern Japanese literature, covering the period between 1868 and the present. We begin by discussing the concept of “literature,“ and by considering what makes it “modern“ and “Japanese“ before moving on to learn about a number of literary forms and political ideologies that have informed literary production. The readings are discussed in close relation to their respective social and political contexts, providing students with good background knowledge of specific aspects of modern Japanese society. Finally, the course aims to familiarize students with various critical and theoretical approaches useful in any reading of literature. |
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授業の内容や構成
Course Content or Plan | | Preliminary Schedule (subject to change)
W1: Introduction - course organization, semester outline
W2: The invention of “Japanese literature”
W3: How to read literature
W4: Emerging from the shadows - Higuchi Ichiyo and modern women writers
W5: Elite men abroad - Mori Ogai's Dancing Girl
W6: Autobiographical reading and writing modes
W7: Establishing a new genre - Tayama Katai, The Quilt
W8: Living a genre - Dazai Osamu, No Longer Human
W9: Literature as empowerment I: Tamura Toshiko and early feminism
W10: Literature as empowerment II: Kobayashi Takiji and proletarian literature
W11+12: Revisiting proletarian literature - Kirino Natsuo, OUT
W13: Questioning the Norm(al) - Murata Sayaka, Convenience Store Woman
W14: Writing work, writing (back to?) misogyny - Yagi Emi, Diary of a Void
W15: Summary and Final exam |
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履修条件・関連する科目
Course Prerequisites and Related Courses | | | This course has no prerequisites other than an interest in reading fiction. While efforts are made to manage the workload, the study of literature requires regular and substantial reading. Students should be prepared to engage with weekly texts, ranging from short stories to full novels. All essential skills will be taught during the course; a passion for reading is the only requirement. |
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成績評価の方法と基準
Course Evaluation Method and Criteria | | Participation in class discussions 30%
Weekly reading responses 40%
Final exam 30%
* subject to change depending on the number of participants |
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教科書
Textbook | | | All readings will be made available as PDFs but most can also be borrowed from NU libraries. |
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参考書
Reference Book | | |
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課外学修等
Study Load (Self-directed Learning Outside Course Hours) | | | Weekly reading assignments (short stories, novellas, novels) |
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注意事項
Notice for Students | | |
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本授業に関するWebページ
Reference website for this Course | | |
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担当教員からのメッセージ
Message from the Instructor | | | If you enjoy reading and discussing fiction, this course offers an exciting opportunity to engage directly with primary texts spanning over a century. Instead of relying heavily on secondary research, we’ll explore literary trends through the works themselves. You’ll develop analytical reading skills and gain a deeper understanding of literature. This course is especially rewarding for those who appreciate thoughtful exploration of stories and ideas. |
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実務経験のある教員等による授業科目（大学等における修学の支援に関する法律施行規則に基づくもの）
Courses taught by Instructors with practical experience | | |
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授業開講形態等
Lecture format, etc | | B-1）Face-to-face course（most likely including 1-3 simultaneous interactive online classes; details will be shared at the beginning of term)
* Classrooms for face-to-face classes can be found in Timetable B on the ILAS website. |
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