We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Robert Campbell, Gaye Rowley, Kristopher Reeves, Pau Pitarch Fernández, and Shiho Takai

Japanese literature has a long and diverse tradition, dating back more than a thousand years. From Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji to the novels of Murakami Haruki, its many masterpieces are read and loved throughout the world. The historical process of writing, however - who gets to write whose stories, when, and how? - and many of the formal traits of the Japanese literary arts related to agency remain unquestioned. We believe a basic knowledge of how artists developed their sense of autonomy within the strictures of historical society is crucial to understand, appreciate and enjoy this long tradition.

Read more

Japanese literature has a long and diverse tradition, dating back more than a thousand years. From Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji to the novels of Murakami Haruki, its many masterpieces are read and loved throughout the world. The historical process of writing, however - who gets to write whose stories, when, and how? - and many of the formal traits of the Japanese literary arts related to agency remain unquestioned. We believe a basic knowledge of how artists developed their sense of autonomy within the strictures of historical society is crucial to understand, appreciate and enjoy this long tradition.

This course will explore a number of writers and works from the ancient times of Japan through to the early modern Edo era and into the twentieth century. Key aspects of the course will include how the historical trajectory of women's experiences were reflected in literary or theatrical genres; the social spaces in which poetry and visual art emerged and became shared; and how Japanese thinkers have envisioned human imagination throughout history. One important concept recurring through the course will be the human "voice." We shall attempt to uncover some of these voices, including but not limited to the voices of women, together with their told and untold experiences.

This course will provide you with an introduction and a basis for further study in Japanese history, culture, literature, arts, and other areas which you may intend to explore in the future.

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How diverse voices were recorded and transmitted into popular storytelling, drama, and theater in the premodern era
  • How different japanese writers used the motif of psychological abnormality as the source for a truly “modern” art
  • Creatively reconsider some aspects of the human imagination from a broadly comparative perspective

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores diversity among voices in Japanese art, from ancient times to modern era
Empowers understanding of the role of historical and social factors on Japanese creators, which may enhance your grasp of their historical and contemporary works
Explores a range of literary and theatrical genres, providing an understanding of how diverse voices were expressed in different contexts
Investigates the experience of women in premodern Japanese society through the lens of classical Japanese literature and theatre
Introduces key concepts in Japanese literature and arts, providing a solid foundation for further exploration
Examines the concept of the human imagination from a comparative perspective, broadening your understanding of creativity across cultures

Save this course

Save Uncovering the Voices of Japanese Literature to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Uncovering the Voices of Japanese Literature with these activities:
Review Japanese sentence structure fundamentals
A strong foundation in Japanese sentence structure will enhance your comprehension of the literary works covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Review basic sentence structures, including subject, verb, and object.
  • Practice writing simple sentences in Japanese.
  • Identify the different parts of speech in Japanese sentences.
Explore online resources for Japanese literature
Familiarizing yourself with online resources will enhance your ability to independently research and deepen your understanding of Japanese literature.
Show steps
  • Identify and bookmark reputable websites and databases specializing in Japanese literature.
  • Follow Japanese literature experts and scholars on social media platforms.
  • Subscribe to online newsletters and blogs that provide insights into Japanese literature.
Join a study group for Japanese literature
Engaging with peers through discussion and collaboration can enhance your understanding and retention of the course material.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create your own with fellow classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course content, share insights, and work on assignments together.
  • Provide constructive feedback and support to your peers.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on Japanese literature and culture
Workshops provide opportunities to engage with experts and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese literature.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops in your area or online.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
  • Take notes and reflect on the insights and knowledge gained.
Organize and synthesize course materials
Organizing and synthesizing course materials will improve your retention and ability to make connections between different concepts.
Show steps
  • Review and整理 notes, assignments, and readings from the course.
  • Create summaries, mind maps, or other visual aids to help you connect the dots.
  • Identify key concepts and themes and make connections between them.
Read 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu
'The Tale of Genji' is a foundational work of Japanese literature, providing valuable insights into the historical context and literary conventions of the period.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the novel in its entirety.
  • Take notes on the major characters, plot points, and literary devices used.
  • Reflect on the novel's themes and how they relate to the course material.
Write a blog post analyzing a Japanese literary work
Creating original content will deepen your understanding of the literary elements and themes explored in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific Japanese literary work to analyze.
  • Read the work carefully and identify its key themes, characters, and literary devices.
  • Write a blog post that presents your analysis and insights.
Become a tutor or mentor for Japanese language learners
Mentoring others reinforces your own understanding while also contributing to the learning community.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to tutor or mentor Japanese language learners.
  • Prepare lesson plans and materials sesuai with the learner's needs.
  • Provide guidance, support, and feedback to the learner.

Career center

Learners who complete Uncovering the Voices of Japanese Literature will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Museum curator
Museum Curators may have a wide variety of responsibilities. One responsibility is overseeing different types of collections, such as artistic or scientific. Responsibilities may include researching and writing descriptions for these collections. Their research may be used to develop exhibitions or public programs, such as a guided tour or a lecture series. This course, with its exploration of Untold experiences and a comparative perspective on human imagination, may help one to write more engaging and thought-provoking exhibition descriptions, public programs, and research materials.
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for organizing, describing, preserving, and providing access to historical records and documents. They often work with researchers and scholars to help them access the materials they need. An understanding of historical contexts of artistic, cultural, and literary works may help one to better curate historical records and documents. Likewise, the archival research skills one develops in this course may help one succeed as an Archivist.
Art historian
Art Historians study and interpret art, including its history, techniques, and significance. They may work in museums, galleries, or universities, where they conduct research, write articles and books, and give lectures. The diverse perspectives on literary art covered in this course may help one to better understand how art reflects and is shaped by the historical and cultural contexts in which it was created.
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and implement educational programs for museums and other cultural institutions. They may work with a variety of audiences, from young children to adults. This course may help prepare one for this career by providing an understanding of how to engage different audiences with art and literature, as well as how to develop and implement educational programs.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study human cultures and societies, often focusing on a particular region or group of people. They conduct research, write articles and books, and teach courses about their findings. This course may help prepare for this career path by providing a broad understanding of Japanese culture and history, as well as a comparative perspective on human imagination.
Literary Agent
Literary Agents represent authors and help them to negotiate contracts with publishers. They also provide guidance and support to authors throughout the writing and publishing process. The knowledge one gains in this course about Japanese literature and the historical trajectory of women's experiences may be very attractive to those who wish to specialize in representing Japanese authors.
Translator
Translators convert written or spoken material from one language into another. They may work in a variety of settings, such as publishing, government, or international organizations. This course may be attractive to those who specialize in Japanese to English. The course's overview of Japanese literature may provide a solid foundation for translating nuanced Japanese texts in a way that is accessible to an English-speaking audience.
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writers write articles, blog posts, website content, and other types of written material for clients. They may work in a variety of fields, such as journalism, marketing, or public relations. This course may help one to improve their writing skills and to develop a deeper understanding of Japanese literature, which may be attractive to those who wish to specialize in writing about Japanese culture, history, or art.
Journalist
Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. This course may help one to develop the critical thinking and research skills, as well as deeper understanding of Japanese culture and history, that are essential for success in this field.
Editor
Editors review, correct, and improve written material for publication. They may work for publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, or other organizations. This course may help to develop the strong reading comprehension, attention to detail, and writing skills that are necessary for success in this field.
Librarian
Librarians help people to find and access information. They may work in public libraries, school libraries, or special libraries, such as those in museums or law firms. This course may help one develop the research and information literacy skills that are essential for success in this field.
Teacher
Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and universities. This course may help one to develop the communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills that are essential for success in this field, particularly at the college or university level where one may teach courses like this one.
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may help one to develop the research, writing, and teaching skills that are essential for success in this field, especially for those specializing in Japanese literature.
Researcher
Researchers conduct original research in a variety of fields, such as science, social science, and the humanities. This course may help one to develop the research skills that are essential for success in this field, especially those who wish to focus on Japanese literature.
Writer
Writers create written works, such as novels, short stories, plays, and poems. This course may help one to develop the creativity, writing skills, and knowledge of literary techniques that are essential for success in this field, especially those who wish to write literary fiction.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Uncovering the Voices of Japanese Literature.
The Tale of Genji classic of Japanese literature and one of the world's first novels. It tells the story of Hikaru Genji, a prince who is both intelligent and beautiful but also arrogant and self-centered. The novel follows Genji's romantic and political adventures as he navigates the complex world of the Heian court.
The Cambridge History of Japanese Literature comprehensive history of Japanese literature from its origins to the present day. Its written in a clear and accessible style for students and scholars of Japanese literature.
The Oxford Handbook of Japanese Literature comprehensive guide to Japanese literature from its origins to the present day. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Japanese literature.
A History of Japanese Literature comprehensive history of Japanese literature from its origins to the present day. It is written in a clear and accessible style for students and scholars of Japanese literature.
Japanese Fiction: A Modern Guide comprehensive guide to Japanese fiction from the late 19th century to the present day. It is written in a clear and accessible style for students and scholars of Japanese literature.
The Pillow Book collection of essays and observations by the Japanese court lady Sei Shōnagon. It valuable source of information on the life and customs of the Heian court.
Kabuki: The Popular Theater of Japan comprehensive guide to the Kabuki theater, a traditional form of Japanese theater. It is written in a clear and accessible style for students and scholars of Japanese theater.
The Noh Theater: An Introduction comprehensive guide to the Noh theater, a traditional form of Japanese theater. It is written in a clear and accessible style for students and scholars of Japanese theater.
Japanese Poetry: An Anthology comprehensive anthology of Japanese poetry from its origins to the present day. It is written in a clear and accessible style for students and scholars of Japanese literature.
Modern Japanese Literature: An Anthology collection of essays and short stories by some of the most important Japanese writers of the 20th century. It good introduction to modern Japanese literature for English-speaking readers.
The Tale of the Heike is an epic poem that tells the story of the Genpei War, a civil war that took place in Japan in the 12th century. It is one of the most famous works of Japanese literature and has been adapted into many different forms, including film, television, and manga.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Uncovering the Voices of Japanese Literature.
Words Spun Out of Images: Visual and Literary Culture in...
Most relevant
Visualizing Japan (1850s-1930s): Westernization, Protest,...
Most relevant
Invitation to The Tale of Genji: The Foundational...
Most relevant
Japanese Culture Through Rare Books
Most relevant
Japanese Culture and Language (I) | 日语与日本文化(1)
Most relevant
Japanese Culture and Language (II) | 日语与日本文化(2)
Most relevant
Essential Japanese for Travel for Beginners
Most relevant
Graduate Studies in Japan
Japanese Business Management
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser