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Goki Miyakita, Keiko Okawa, Akinori Takanobu, tomohiko sumiyoshi, Gian-Piero Persiani, Takashi Horikawa, Siyao Jiang, Satoshi Takahashi, and Hope Z

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more There are no special requirements for this course, but an interest in East Asian culture or history might be useful. You can use the hashtag #FLsinojapanese to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more There are no special requirements for this course, but an interest in East Asian culture or history might be useful. You can use the hashtag #FLsinojapanese to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • History of textual culture in East Asia and Japan.
  • Evolution of printing technology in Japan and its relationship with religion.
  • Influence of China and Korea on Japanese book culture.
  • Publishing activity by Zen temples in the medieval Japan.
  • Publishing activity by scholars in pre-modern Japanese society.
  • Publishing activity by local and central governments for education.
  • Variety of types of books in Chinese studies.
  • Brief introduction of well-known Chinese poem collections: Santishi and Tangshi xuan.
  • Analects of Confucius, its reception, transition and influence on Japanese society.

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into east asian textual history

According to students, this course offers a highly specialized and deep dive into Sino-Japanese textual culture through rare books. Learners praise its academic rigor and the expert insights provided by Keio University instructors, making it a unique resource for those with a strong interest in East Asian history. While it provides rich historical context, some may find the niche focus and lecture-heavy format better suited for dedicated enthusiasts rather than general learners.
Structured primarily around informative, detailed video lectures.
"I appreciated the well-structured and informative lectures that guided us through the material."
"The course provided a steady pace, allowing for thorough absorption of complex information."
"While highly informative, the format is primarily lecture-based, which suited my preferred learning style."
Ideal for learners with prior interest in East Asian history.
"This course is perfect if you already have a foundational interest in East Asian history or rare books."
"I would recommend this more for those who appreciate academic depth and niche historical studies."
"Newcomers to the subject might find it very dense without some prior exposure."
Delivers extensive historical background and cultural impact.
"I gained a much deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context surrounding these rare books."
"The course brilliantly connects publishing history with broader societal and intellectual developments in Japan."
"It was fascinating to learn about the evolution of printing and its profound cultural significance."
Presents rigorous academic insights from expert instructors.
"The instructors from Keio University present the material with impressive academic rigor and clarity."
"I found the detailed analysis of historical texts and their broader influence incredibly insightful."
"The depth of knowledge shared in the lectures truly showcased the instructors' expertise."
Deep dive into a unique academic area of East Asian studies.
"This course offered a unique exploration into the fascinating world of rare Sino-Japanese books, a topic rarely covered."
"I appreciated the deep dive into textual culture, which is incredibly unique and specific in its focus."
"For anyone genuinely interested in East Asian history and bibliography, this course is a real treasure."

Career center

Learners who complete Sino-Japanese Interactions Through Rare Books will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Sino-Japanese Interactions Through Rare Books.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the major modes and genres of Chinese poetry. Owen's insights are invaluable for understanding the development of Chinese poetry.
A valuable resource for students and scholars of Chinese studies. Zhou provides a comprehensive guide to the best books, articles, and websites on all aspects of Chinese history, culture, and society.
This anthology of Chinese poetry features a wide range of genres and styles, from the classics to contemporary poetry. Eber's introductions and notes are very helpful for understanding the poems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of East Asian history from the earliest times to the present day. It is written by a leading scholar and provides a wealth of information on all aspects of East Asian history, including politics, economics, society, and culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Taiwanese history from the earliest times to the present day. It is written by a leading scholar and provides a wealth of information on all aspects of Taiwanese history, including politics, economics, society, and culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean history from the earliest times to the present day. It is written by a leading scholar and provides a wealth of information on all aspects of Korean history, including politics, economics, society, and culture.
This collection of ancient Chinese poems is one of the most important works in Chinese literature. Waley's translations are clear and elegant, and his introductions and notes are very helpful for understanding the poems.
This anthology of contemporary Chinese poetry features a wide range of genres and styles. Yeh's introductions and notes are very helpful for understanding the poems.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of modern Chinese poetry, from the late Qing dynasty to the present day. Lau's insights are invaluable for understanding the development of modern Chinese poetry.
A comprehensive and authoritative overview of Chinese history from ancient times to the present day. Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding China's past and present.
Explores the philosophical underpinnings of Chinese poetry. Hinton's insights are invaluable for understanding the relationship between poetry and thought in Chinese culture.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning account of China's transformation from a traditional empire to a modern nation-state. Spence's vivid prose and insightful analysis make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding China's rise to global power.
Considered the world's first novel, The Tale of Genji cornerstone of Japanese literature and a must-read classic. This translation makes the complex world of the Heian court accessible to modern readers. Reading this work provides deep insight into the aesthetics, society, and human relationships of the period.
Provides a detailed history of the printed book, from its origins in China to the present day. It discusses the development of printing techniques, the spread of printing to different parts of the world, and the impact of printing on the development of literacy and education.
A comprehensive and rigorous analysis of China's grand strategy. Fravel argues that China is pursuing a long-term strategy of achieving regional hegemony and global influence.
This sweeping novel portrays the lives of four sisters in a wealthy Osaka family facing the changes of the pre-war years. It major work by Tanizaki, offering a detailed picture of traditional Japanese life and itsमोल of modernity. It is considered a modern classic and a must-read for its social and cultural insights.
A seminal novel of the Meiji era, Kokoro explores themes of isolation, trust, and the clash between tradition and modernity through the relationship between a young man and an older intellectual. It must-read for understanding the psychological and social landscape of early modern Japan. This translation widely read edition.
An acclaimed contemporary novel that delves into the lives of women in modern Japan, addressing themes of the body, poverty, and societal pressures. Kawakami significant voice in contemporary Japanese literature, and this book offers a powerful look at relevant social issues. The English translation was a notable publication in recent years.
This quirky and insightful novel explores themes of social norms, identity, and alienation in contemporary Japan through the eyes of a woman who finds belonging in a convenience store. It recent award-winning work that reflects contemporary Japanese society and literary trends. Highly relevant for understanding current topics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean history from the earliest times to the present day. It is written by a leading scholar and provides a wealth of information on all aspects of Korean history, including politics, economics, society, and culture.
Provides a history of the printed book in Japan, from its origins in the 8th century to the present day. It discusses the development of different printing techniques in Japan, the different types of books that were printed in Japan, and the impact of the printed book on the development of Japanese culture and society.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese history from the earliest times to the present day. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of this fascinating country.
Examines the political and economic transformations that Japan underwent during the 19th and 20th centuries. Jansen's work is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of modern Japan.
A comprehensive and engaging overview of Chinese culture, from its origins to the present day. Shaughnessy provides a detailed account of China's art, literature, music, religion, and philosophy.
A groundbreaking study of Chinese art and its relationship to politics and society. Clunas argues that Chinese art is not merely a reflection of the past but an active force in shaping China's present.
Another Nobel laureate work by Kawabata, this novel delicately explores the interior life of an aging man and his relationships with his family. It is celebrated for its subtle psychological depth and evocative portrayal of nature and the passage of time. It key work for understanding Kawabata's later style.
This poignant novel tells the story of a man who becomes homeless in Tokyo's Ueno Park, reflecting on his life and Japan's recent history. It offers a critical perspective on contemporary Japanese society, memory, and marginalization. The English translation received a major award, highlighting its significance in contemporary literature.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Ming Dynasty, one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. It is written by a leading scholar and provides a wealth of information on all aspects of the Ming Dynasty, including its history, its politics, its economy, and its culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Qing Dynasty, the last dynasty in Chinese history. It is written by a leading scholar and provides a wealth of information on all aspects of the Qing Dynasty, including its history, its politics, its economy, and its culture.
Another key work by Osamu Dazai, The Setting Sun portrays the decline of aKazoku (aristocratic) family in post-war Japan. It significant novel for understanding the social and existential challenges of the era. Keene's translation classic rendering of Dazai's poignant prose.
Covering post-war and contemporary literature, this anthology presents a diverse range of voices and styles reflecting Japan's recent history and society. It is key for exploring contemporary topics and understanding the trajectory of Japanese literature in the latter half of the 20th and early 21st centuries. This valuable resource for students and professionals interested in current trends.
A haunting and allegorical novel about the gradual disappearance of objects and memories on an island, exploring themes of totalitarianism and the nature of reality. Ogawa is an internationally acclaimed contemporary author, and this novel was a finalist for major awards. It offers a unique and thought-provoking contemporary perspective.
The first novel in Mishima's ambitious tetralogy, The Sea of Fertility, Spring Snow major work by one of Japan's most significant and controversial modern authors. It delves into themes of beauty, decay, and the clash between aristocratic tradition and modern Japan. Reading Mishima is crucial for understanding post-war Japanese literature and thought.
This extensive anthology provides a wide selection of primary texts from ancient and medieval Japan, including poetry, prose, and drama. It is invaluable for directly engaging with the foundational works discussed in historical surveys. It serves as a core textbook for courses on pre-modern Japanese literature.
A globally popular contemporary novel, Kafka on the Shore blends elements of magical realism, mythology, and popular culture. Reading Murakami provides insight into the style and themes of a major contemporary Japanese author with a wide international readership. It is highly relevant for understanding current trends and the global reach of Japanese literature.
Chikamatsu is Japan's greatest dramatist, and this collection offers key examples of his joruri (puppet theater) plays. Reading these plays is essential for understanding Edo period drama and its themes of duty, love, and societal conflict. Keene's translations are considered standard and highly authoritative.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnamese history from the earliest times to the present day. It is written by a leading expert on Vietnam, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of this fascinating country.
A collection of surreal and unique short stories by a contemporary Japanese author. Motoya's work represents a distinct voice in current Japanese fiction, often exploring themes of gender, relationships, and the bizarre in everyday life. is relevant for exploring diverse contemporary styles and topics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Taiwan's history from the earliest times to the present day. It is written by a leading expert on Taiwan, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of this island nation.
Provides a history of libraries in the Western world, from their origins in ancient Greece and Rome to the present day. It discusses the development of different types of libraries, such as public libraries, academic libraries, and special libraries, as well as the impact of libraries on the development of scholarship and culture.
This is the foundational volume of Donald Keene's monumental history, offering a comprehensive survey of Japanese literature from its beginnings through the medieval period. It is essential for gaining a broad understanding of the classical and early literary landscape. While not recently published, its depth and scholarly authority make it a timeless reference and a must-read for serious students and professionals.

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