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.
Instructor
Washburn