Darryl Flaherty, Assistant Professor of History
Office: 122 John Munroe Hall, flaherty@udel.edu (302) 831-0798
Office Hours: Tuesday 1-3 (122 Munroe Hall) and Thursday 2-4 (at Brew HaHa! on Main Street)
Description: This course is an introduction to the history, philosophies, religions, and cultures of Japan from earliest times through the middle of the nineteenth century. Using the lectures, textbook, and sources in translation we will explore topics such as the origins of the human population in Japan, indigenous and imported religions, the establishment of central political authority, and the popularization of elite practices.
The course consists of lectures, section meetings, and two film screenings.
Requirements: 1) Regular class attendance and participation that reflects familiarity with, and reflection on, the readings; 2) a map quiz; 3) a two-page paper, 4) proposal for final paper; 5) final paper, 6) end-of-term exam.
Your attendance at lecture is highly recommended; attendance at discussion sections is required. Discussions of the primary sources in section will underscore the course's themes and issues. The final essay (5 pages) can draw on the reading or readings that you found most important or interesting. You are expected to complete all of the reading, attend the course lectures and film screenings, and participate actively in discussion sections.
Grade distribution: 1) Participation (15%); 2) map quiz (10%); 3) two-page paper (20%); 4) proposal for final paper (10%); 5) the final paper (25%); 6) final exam (20%).
Academic Integrity and Honesty: Familiarize yourself with the University's policies on academic honesty, in particular, rules governing citation.
http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/05-06/code.html#honesty
Textbook: W. G. Beasley, The Japanese Experience