Japanese Studies (JPN)Academic Catalog: 2020–2021

  • Toshiyuki Sakuragi, Program Director
  • John Cha, (Religion) (On leave, 2020–2021)
  • Richard Leitch, (Political Science)
  • David Tôbaru Obermiller, (History)
  • Lianying Shan

Japanese Studies is an interdisciplinary program that offers students the opportunity to become familiar with various aspects of Japanese culture: language, literature, history, politics, art, and religion. Students majoring in Japanese Studies are required to study in Japan for at least one semester. Gustavus has student exchange relationships with Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka and Hosei University in Tokyo. The major culminates in the production of a scholarly paper on some aspect of Japanese culture, written in the senior year under the guidance of one of the participating faculty members.

Major:

  1. Courses in Japanese
    1. Elementary and Intermediate Japanese—JPN-101, JPN-102, JPN-201, JPN-202, or equivalent.
    2. One Japanese language course beyond JPN-202 taken at an approved institution in Japan.
  2. Courses in English
    1. Five of the following (or other courses studied in Japan)—HIS-170, HIS-175, HIS-278, HIS-370, JPN-170, JPN-270, JPN-271, MLC-265, POL-255, REL-235, REL-355.
    2. JPN-399, Senior Thesis (.25 credit).
  3. A minimum of one semester of full-time study in Japan.

Courses for the major (including any transfer courses) must be selected in consultation with a Japanese Studies advisor and be approved by the program director. No more than two courses per semester of work done in another institution will be accepted as a part of the major, and the coursework in Japan must be approved by the program director prior to departure.

Courses must be graded C or better to fulfill the requirement for the major. This grade requirement does not include courses taken in Japan.

Minor:

  1. Courses in Japanese: JPN-101, JPN-102, JPN-201, JPN-202, or equivalent.
  2. Courses in English: Three of the following (or other courses studied in Japan), selected in consultation with a Japanese Studies advisor: HIS-170, HIS-175, HIS-278, JPN-170, JPN-270, JPN-271, MLC-265, POL-255, REL-235, REL-355.

At least three of the courses presented for the minor must be taken at the College, including at least two language courses. No more than two courses per semester taken in another program will be accepted. The study abroad curriculum must be approved by the program director prior to departure.

Courses must be graded C or better to fulfill the requirement for the minor. This grade requirement does not include courses taken in Japan.

Japanese Studies Courses

  • 101, 102 Japanese Language and Culture I, II
  • 201, 202 Japanese Language and Culture III, IV
  • 251 Japanese Language and Culture V
  • 170 Introduction to East Asian Literature in English Translation
  • 175 History of Pre-modern East Asia
  • 270 Modern Japanese Literature and Culture in English Translation
  • 271 Japanese Film
  • HIS-170 Introduction to Modern East Asia
  • HIS-278 History of Modern Japan
  • HIS-370 East Asian and U.S. Interactions in Historical Context
  • MLC-265 Exploring Intercultural Relations through Film
  • POL-255 The Politics of Japan and China
  • REL-235 Zen and Japanese Culture
  • REL-355 Buddhist Philosophy

170 Introduction to East Asian Literature in English Translation (1 course) This course provides a broad survey of representative literary works from East Asia from the classical to the contemporary period. Students will explore a variety of literary texts, such as poetry, novels (selections), and short stories from China, Japan and Korea through English translation. This course helps students develop a deep understanding of the diverse philosophical, aesthetic, and literary traditions, cultural values, and historical realities in East Asia. GLAFC, HUMN, Fall semester.

175 History of Pre-modern East Asia (1 course) This course Is the same as HIS-175. The complete course description can be found in the History listings.

270 Modern Japanese Literature and Culture in English Translation (1 course) This course offers a survey of representative works of modern Japanese literature (1868-the present). We will explore Japanese literature within its cultural and historical contexts and will discuss various literary themes, trends, and styles. We will also examine a few topics of contemporary Japanese popular culture, such as manga and anime. This course consists of four units: the Meiji period, the Taisho period, the post-war period, and contemporary popular culture. GLAFC, HUMN, Offered annually.

271 Japanese Film (1 course) Taught in English, this course introduces students to Japanese film by surveying the works of major directors, ranging from such early masters as Ozu, Mizoguchi, and Kurosawa, to such contemporary filmmakers as Kitano and Koreeda. These films will be examined within their historical and social context. By studying film as an art form, students will appreciate the aesthetic, technical, and commercial development of the Japanese cinematic tradition. Also using cinema as a window into society, the course explores such issues as the changing nature of family structure, values, gender roles, and cultural diversity in Japan. Spring semester.

272 Women in East Asian Literature (1 course) This course introduces to students literary and cultural representations of women in East Asia (China, Japan and Korea) from ancient times to the contemporary period. We will explore how womanhood is constructed, institutionalized, and challenged in various social and cultural discourses, such as mythology, folklore, poetry, and fiction. We will discuss women's varied experiences in family and society in relation to the historical and social conditions that have shaped their status and experience. We will also investigate how women have negotiated their gender roles through writing, imagination, and feminist movements. This course is organized both chronologically and thematically. Discussion topics include constructions of femininity in traditional East Asia, women's literary traditions, representations of women in literature by both male and female authors, feminist consciousness, and the continuing changes and challenges concerning women's roles and status in society. GLAFC, HUMN, Spring semester.

399 Senior Thesis (.25 course) This course is taken in conjunction with a Japanese Studies course during the senior year taught by the thesis advisor. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Fall and Spring semesters.