Japanese

[For more information about major requirements, see German, Russian, and East Asian Languages and Literature]

Japanese is one of the leading languages of the Pacific rim area and is rapidly becoming an international language in its own right. Japanese is also the medium of an enduring, complex, and constantly developing culture to which the rest of the world has repeatedly turned for insight and understanding. The major in Japanese offers an opportunity for an in-depth and focused study of Japanese language and culture. The major places emphasis on the student’s acquisition of oral and written language proficiency as well as on the development of cultural awareness and competency. The Department strongly recommends that majors spend their junior year at the Associated Kyoto Program or some other departmentally recognized two-semester study abroad program in Japan. Together with the major in Chinese, this major replaces the former major in East Asian Languages and Cultures. Students wishing to pursue a broadly based, interdisciplinary study of East Asia should consult the listings for the East Asian Studies major in the Asian Studies Program.

The major consists of a minimum of twelve courses which must include: a) Japanese 101- 102, 201-202, 301-302, or the equivalent; b) Japanese 240 and Chinese 207; c) two courses from the following: Japanese 250, s20, s25, s32, Chinese s30, or one from this list and an additional course on the literature of another culture; d) either Japanese 401 or 402; and e) a senior thesis project, Japanese 457 or 458, completed in the senior year. Students are expected to utilize some source materials in Japanese conducting research for the thesis. Qualified students are encouraged to write in Japanese. Note that students may petition the department to have courses taken in their study abroad program (including the Bates Fall Semester Abroad) applied toward the fulfillment of requirements a) and c).

101-102. Beginning Japanese I and II. An introduction to the basics of spoken and written Japanese as a foundation for advanced study and proficiency in the language. Fundamental patterns of grammar and syntax are introduced together with a practical, functional vocabulary. Mastery of the katakana and hiragana syllabaries as well as approximately 140 written characters introduce students to the beauty of written Japanese. E. Hogan.

201-202. Intermediate Japanese I and II. A continuation of Japanese 102, the course stresses the acquisition of new and more complex spoken patterns, vocabulary building, and increasing knowledge of cultural context through use of role play, video, and varied reading materials. One hundred sixty written characters are introduced. A range of oral as well as written projects and exercises provide a realistic context for language use. Prerequisite(s): Japanese 102. Open to first-year students. K. Ofuji.

240. Japanese Literature: A Survey. This course examines major trends in the history of Japanese literature from its beginnings up to the Tokugawa period. Particular attention is paid to thematic and cultural issues such as class, gender, and the role of women as producers of literary culture. Through selected readings and discussion, students consider a range of genres including popular tales, poetry collections, diaries, narrative fiction, and drama. Conducted in English. Open to first-year students. E. Hogan.

250. Modern Japanese Women’s Literature. In its beginnings, Japanese literature was considered a female art; the greatest writers of the classical period were women, while men at times assumed a female persona in order to write. After a brief introduction to the classical tradition, this course examines how twentieth-century writers have positioned themselves with regard to this female literary legacy. In addition, students consider issues such as family, power, gender roles, selfhood, and the female body that have been of primary concern to women writers working both within and outside the traditional female canon. Authors may include Yosano Akiko, Enchi Fumiko, Tanizaki Junichiro, Ohba Minako, Tsushima Yuko, and others. Conducted in English. Open to first- year students. S. Strong.

301-302. Intermediate Japanese III and IV. The course completes the introduction of essential Japanese syntactic forms and sentence patterns. Students continue development of oral skills while emphasis is placed on increased competence in the written language. Two hundred new characters are introduced. Prerequisite(s): Japanese 202. E. Hogan, K. Ofuji.

360. Independent Study. Independent study of individually selected topics. Periodic conferences and papers are required. Permission of the department is required. Students are limited to one independent study per semester. Staff.

401. Advanced Japanese I. Through the discussion and study of contemporary literary texts and other journalistic modes, the course seeks to utilize, develop, and integrate skills acquired in the earlier stages of language learning. Particular emphasis is placed on reading and writing, and on the acquisition of written characters. Through class discussion students expand their understanding of Japanese culture. Students write a research paper as a final project. Prerequisite(s): Japanese 302. K. Ofuji.

402. Advanced Japanese II. Through the discussion of materials in Japanese such as newspaper articles, other media material, and short stories, the course seeks to utilize, develop, and integrate skills acquired in the earlier stages of language learning. Particular emphasis is placed on increasing the student’s range of oral and written competency and on the acquisition of written characters. Class discussion involves issues of both Japanese and global cultures. Prerequisite(s): Japanese 401. K. Ofuji.

457. 458. Senior Thesis. An extended research or translation project on a topic in Japanese literature, culture, or language utilizing some source materials in Japanese. Qualified students may choose to write the thesis in Japanese. Before registering for either 457 or 458, the student should consult with his or her advisor and submit a concise description of the proposed project as well as a tentative bibliography. Students register for Japanese 457 in the fall semester and for Japanese 458 in the winter semester, unless the department gives approval for a two-semester project. Majors writing an honors thesis register for Japanese 457 and 458. Staff.

Short Term Units

s25. Haiku Poetry. Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) is one of Japan’s most celebrated poets. As a haikai master he led group compositions in linked verse (renga), in addition to writing the seventeen-syllable hokku for which he is best known. His travel diaries represent a landmark in the history of Japanese literature. This unit explores the background and nature of the haikai genre, with particular attention to Basho’s outstanding achievement. Students of Japanese language are encouraged to do some guided reading in the original. Recommended background: Japanese 240 and History 172. Conducted in English. Enrollment limited to 25. S. Strong.

s32. Appreciation of Japanese People and Society through Films. This unit examines aspects of both traditional and contemporary Japanese society through that society’s depiction in film. Topics of discussion include the family as a social institution, parent-child relationships, education, friendships, and representations of minority groups. Lectures, discussions, and readings in English. Films in Japanese with English subtitles. Additional class sessions may be arranged for those students with sufficient language proficiency who would like to discuss these issues in Japanese. Recommended background: at least one course in Japanese literature, history, or religion. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 20. K. Ofuji.

s50. Individual Research. Registration in this unit is granted by the department only after the student has submitted a written proposal for a full-time research project to be completed during the Short Term and has secured the sponsorship of a member of the department to direct the study and evaluate the results. Students are limited to one individual research unit. Staff.

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