ASCL 80.20 The Tale of Genji

The Tale of Genji is a defining work of Japanese culture. Expansive in form, sophisticated in its depiction of the inner lives of its characters, challenging in its representation of ethical concerns and aesthetic ideals, Murasaki Shikibu’s masterpiece occupies a central place in one of the world’s most important literary traditions.

I have several objectives for this course. First, to cultivate the practice of slow, close reading as a way to develop critical self-awareness of our own cultural/historical position vis-à-vis the text we will be studying and critiquing. Second, to foster a deeper understanding of the culture and history not just of Japan, but of Asia more broadly. Third, to help you develop important elements of writing and analysis: formulating productive questions; using comparative strategies to develop a thesis and support analysis: producing your own unique analytical voice and writing style. Finally, to increase your understanding of the social and symbolic differences that make meaning in literary art possible.

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:LIT; WCult:NW

The Timetable of Class Meetings contains the most up-to-date information about a course. It includes not only the meeting time and instructor, but also its official distributive and/or world culture designation. This information supersedes any information you may see elsewhere, to include what may appear in this ORC/Catalog or on a department/program website. Note that course attributes may change term to term therefore those in effect are those (only) during the term in which you enroll in the course.

Department-Specific Course Categories

Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages