LITR 021J. Introduction to Modern Japanese Literature: Friendship and Love in Portrayals of Japanese Youth Culture

(Cross-listed as JPNS 021)
In this introductory survey we will read a range of Japanese literary works from the modern and contemporary periods, with particular attention to the themes of friendship and love and the changing portrayals of youth culture in Japan. Remaining attentive to the ways in which our readings of Japanese writings are mediated by distance, time, and different linguistic and cultural contexts, we will aim to 1) become familiar with foundational literary works by modern and contemporary Japanese writers and their key literary innovations; 2) contextualize these works and their innovations within the historical circumstances of their production; and 3) trace the changes in Japanese literary language over the course of the modern and contemporary periods. We will also consider how literary, aesthetic, and social movements have united or divided some Japanese writers, and map out the broad trends in literary content and style associated with these movements.
No knowledge of the Japanese language is required. Additional readings and research opportunities are available in consultation with the instructor for students with Japanese reading ability.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Catalog chapter: Modern Languages and Literatures: Literatures in Translation
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/modern-languages-literatures

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