Traditional Japanese History Syllabus

History of Traditional Japan
(HIST 3005/001)

Fall 2003 Syllabus
Tuesday/Thursday 11:00-12:15
Brewster D-103

John A. Tucker, Ph.D.
Office hrs T/Th 1-2:00 Brewster A-304
Work 328-1028/Home 756-4126
Tuckerjo@mail.ecu.edu

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Description: This course surveys the development of civilization in Japan from ancient times through the end of the sixteenth century. After briefly examining the largely prehistoric beginnings of Japanese culture in the Jomon and Yayoi periods, the course focuses on readings associated with the introduction of Chinese civilization into Japan by way of Korea, and the various responses to that civilization offered by Japanese from that point forward. Without minimizing the Chinese impact, careful attention will be devoted to ways in which the foreign bases of civilization were modified by the Japanese, especially during the Nara, Heian, Kamakura, and Ashikaga periods. While the intent of the course is to give students a firm basis for understanding the foundations of Japanese culture, broader questions such as the nature of civilization, cultural borrowing, and the extent to which culture and civilization can or should be distinctive or unique, will also be addressed.

Quizzes, Exams & Grading: There will be three exams (Oct. 9; Nov. 25; and Dec. 16). The last exam will be given on the last day of class during the regular semester. Each exam will count 20% of the final grade. The exams will not be cumulative in the strict sense of the term, though students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of the earlier information as is necessary to compare and contrast the material studied insightfully. Exams will typically include both "objective" (map identifications, true/false; multiple choice; matching, etc) and essay components, though the latter will typically account for the majority of the point value of the exam.

Brief quizzes will be given on a biweekly basis, and cumulatively will count as 20% of the final grade. The quizzes are designed to ensure that students master the details of Japanese history on a regular basis. Given that much of the information integral to the study of Japanese history is utterly foreign to beginning students, it is essential that students attempt to digest it in reasonable increments. The quizzes, testing geographic details, familiarity with names, events, etc., will typically be "objective" in nature. Those who attend and participate meaningfully in class, read carefully and reflect upon assigned readings, and review class lectures, discussions, and assigned readings with an eye toward meaningful integration of the material, should have no difficulties with the quizzes.

Students will also be expected to write a brief "thesis" paper (7-10 pp) on a topic of their choosing, related to traditional Japanese history. More than mere reports, these papers should seek to develop a thesis, defined by the student, on the basis of their readings and in-class experiences with Japanese history. One sample thesis, for example, would be "Buddhism was more of a political force than a personal religious force in early Japanese history." Another might be "Samurai were more influential as promoters of civilization and peace than they were simple warriors." Often the thesis will develop as students engage the readings meaningfully. Rather than choose a thesis in advance of doing any of the readings, students are encouraged to allow their thinking to unfold naturally with their progress in the course. It is essential, given the limited resources available through Joyner Library, that students choose their thesis on the basis of materials available, rather than in isolation from them. Thesis papers are due on the last day of class, December 9.

Any student wishing to submit a draft for initial critique and subsequent revision may do so. However, no "first draft" papers will be accepted after the beginning of Thanksgiving break, November 26.

Goals and Outcomes: This course is the first half of a two-semester survey history of Japan, and is meant primarily to prepare students for a more meaningful appreciation of the development of modern Japanese history. At the same time, the course seeks to provide for students an appreciation of the fundamentals shaping Japanese culture and civilization, be they religious, philosophical, economic, literary, linguistic, or artistic. Thus, by the end of the semester students should have an understanding of the nature of Japanese geography, Shinto, varieties of Japanese Buddhism, the essential emphases of Japanese law, literature, and philosophy, as well as the key components of Japanese language. Given this broad background in the fundamentals, students who complete the course successfully should be able to more insightfully assimilate new information and studies related to Japan. Additionally, as is true with the study of any foreign culture, students should have realized significantly more about themselves and their "own" culture.

Required Readings: In order to relate contemporary news to Japanese history, students will be given press handouts on a regular basis. Material in them will be discussed in class, the stuff of quizzes, and possibly exams. In addition, the following are the texts required for the course.

Albert Craig. The Heritage of Japanese Civilization. New York: Prentice Hall, 2002.
Wm. Theodore de Bary et al., compilers. Sources of Japanese Tradition, Volume One: From Earliest Times to 1600. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001.
Ivan Morris. The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Ancient Japan. New York:
Kodansha International, 1994.
Soshitsu Sen. The Japanese Way of Tea: From Its Origins in China to Sen Rikyu. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1998.
Mary Elizabeth Berry. Hideyoshi. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1989.
Conrad Totman. Tokugawa Ieyasu. Kyoto: Heian International, 1988.

Students are encouraged to read extensively about Japan, using the Joyner Library collection, interlibrary loan materials, postings on the internet, or their personal library. For example, the following internet sites provide daily news coverage of Japan, and are free for those who wish to take advantage of them. Japan Times Asahi shinbun Kyoto News Daily Yomiuri Mainichi Daily News Kansai Time Out

The following museum sites offer a host of information in English about Japanese art, culture and civilization: Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Musuem Nara National Museum List of Japanese Museums

At the same time, the three texts assigned must be read carefully since they are the material on which students will be tested. Generally speaking, students will not be expected to "know" details that appear only in the readings assigned. However, any material that is mentioned in class and appears in the readings will be considered fair game for the quizzes and exams.

Disabilities Statement: East Carolina University seeks to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a covered disability must go to the Department for Disability Support Services, located in Brewster A-117, to verify the disability before any accommodations can occur. The telephone number is 252-328-6799.

Schedule for Lectures & Discussion Topics

August 28: Introduction

September 2/4: Language, Geography, and the People