ASNS2631 - Origins of Japanese Tradition

Semester 1, 2013  |  Credit Points: 6

Coordinator: Matthew Stavros
Phone: +61 2 9351 4805
Email: matthew.stavros@sydney.edu.au

Description

This unit explores the historical validity of key motifs of Japanese traditions. Through the liberal exploration of primary historical sources including texts, pictorial sources and material artifacts, students will learn of such diverse topics as early religion, imperial authority, the lives of the court and military elites (samurai), Zen monastic practice, medieval aesthetics, geisha, and the tea ceremony. By separating stereotype and cliche from history, we will attempt to construct a more sober yet ultimately more viable narrative of early Japanese history and culture.

Assessments

1x1500wd essay (30%), 1x1500wd tutorial presentation (20%), 1x1.5hr exam (40%), participation (10%)

Classes

1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week

Prerequisites

12 credit points from junior level Asian Studies, or other subject areas listed in Table A in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.

Additional Information

This unit is available as a designated 'Advanced' unit for students who are already enrolled in the BA (Advanced) degree program.

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