East Asian Civilization: Japan

History 138

As an introduction to Japanese civilization from earliest times to the 19th century, this course will be organized around the broad categories of "culture" and "politics" as manifested in aristocratic, warrior, and commoner life. As we examine aspects of Japanese civilization we will consider how culture and politics are constantly interrelated. In other words, we will not assume "culture" and "politics" to be separate and distinct entities that have nothing to do with each other. In fact, we will spend a good deal of time bringing them together. Within this framework of "culture & politics" we will survey the ways in which Japanese have over the centuries organized themselves collectively, created meanings for private and social existence, and given expression to thoughts and feelings in physical and mental spaces.

 


History 138, Fall 2002

Gore 117 MWF 10:10-11:00

Professor Gerald Figal
(
figal@udel.edu)

Munroe 122 (x0798)
hours: MW 12:30-2:00