The Power of Words
We saw pandemics and economic crises change our lives. We saw terrible massacres taking place all over the world. In times of crisis, many of us tend to lose confidence in words.
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We saw pandemics and economic crises change our lives. We saw terrible massacres taking place all over the world. In times of crisis, many of us tend to lose confidence in words.
We saw pandemics and economic crises change our lives. We saw terrible massacres taking place all over the world. In times of crisis, many of us tend to lose confidence in words.
Words, however, help us to resist the threatening force, too. How does it happen, then? How can words help us to gain confidence and create a new ‘self’ when we have almost lost our way?
In this course, we will explore how words retain their power in texts and various cultural settings, with a particular focus on Japanese and English literature. Such an approach will allow us to delve into the continued dynamism of words.
The central focal point of the course is the form. We will learn how the form plays important roles not only in written texts and productions on the stage, but in mutual interactions and social customs; the form provides the basis for our expression in general. By learning to read the mechanisms of form, we can develop a deeper understanding of words.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- History of english and japanese literature, particularly in terms of form
- How the forms work in written texts and human relationships
- History of english and japanese literature, particularly in terms of form
- How the forms work in written texts and human relationships
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Activities
Review Japanese literature
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Familiarize yourself with the Japanese literature landscape, before engaging in the course discussions.
Browse courses on
Japanese Literature
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Read through a brief history of Japanese literature.
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Survey the major authors and works of Japanese literature.
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Identify the key themes and literary devices commonly found in Japanese literature.
Practice writing haikus
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Develop your skills in writing haikus, a traditional form of Japanese poetry.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
-
Learn the basic rules of haiku writing.
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Read and analyze examples of well-written haikus.
-
Practice writing your own haikus, paying attention to rhythm, imagery, and brevity.
Review The Tale of Genji
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Explore the complexities of Japanese literature and gain insights into the Heian period through this seminal work.
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Read and analyze the novel, paying attention to its structure, characters, and themes.
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Research the historical and cultural context of the novel.
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Consider the novel's influence on Japanese literature and beyond.
Three other activities
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Review The Canterbury Tales
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Gain insights into medieval English literature and society through Chaucer's renowned work.
View
The Canterbury Tales
on Amazon
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-
Read and analyze the tales, paying attention to the characters, themes, and language.
-
Research the historical and cultural context of the tales.
-
Consider the influence of The Canterbury Tales on English literature and beyond.
Create a presentation on the use of symbolism in Japanese and English literature
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Enhance your understanding of how symbolism enriches Japanese and English literature and showcase your analytical skills.
Browse courses on
Symbolism
Show steps
-
Research the use of symbolism in Japanese and English literature.
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Identify and analyze specific examples of symbolism in literary works from both cultures.
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Compare and contrast the ways in which symbolism contributes to the meaning and impact of Japanese and English literature.
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Create a presentation to share your findings, including visual aids and examples to illustrate your points.
Write a short essay on the role of form in Japanese literature
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of the significance of form and its impact on Japanese literature.
Browse courses on
Japanese Literature
Show steps
-
Define what is meant by form in literature.
-
Identify the various forms used in Japanese literature.
-
Analyze how form contributes to the meaning and impact of Japanese literature.
-
Provide examples from specific Japanese literary works to illustrate your points.
Review Japanese literature
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the Japanese literature landscape, before engaging in the course discussions.
Browse courses on
Japanese Literature
Show steps
- Read through a brief history of Japanese literature.
- Survey the major authors and works of Japanese literature.
- Identify the key themes and literary devices commonly found in Japanese literature.
Practice writing haikus
Show steps
Develop your skills in writing haikus, a traditional form of Japanese poetry.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
- Learn the basic rules of haiku writing.
- Read and analyze examples of well-written haikus.
- Practice writing your own haikus, paying attention to rhythm, imagery, and brevity.
Review The Tale of Genji
Show steps
Explore the complexities of Japanese literature and gain insights into the Heian period through this seminal work.
Show steps
- Read and analyze the novel, paying attention to its structure, characters, and themes.
- Research the historical and cultural context of the novel.
- Consider the novel's influence on Japanese literature and beyond.
Review The Canterbury Tales
Show steps
Gain insights into medieval English literature and society through Chaucer's renowned work.
View
The Canterbury Tales
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read and analyze the tales, paying attention to the characters, themes, and language.
- Research the historical and cultural context of the tales.
- Consider the influence of The Canterbury Tales on English literature and beyond.
Create a presentation on the use of symbolism in Japanese and English literature
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of how symbolism enriches Japanese and English literature and showcase your analytical skills.
Browse courses on
Symbolism
Show steps
- Research the use of symbolism in Japanese and English literature.
- Identify and analyze specific examples of symbolism in literary works from both cultures.
- Compare and contrast the ways in which symbolism contributes to the meaning and impact of Japanese and English literature.
- Create a presentation to share your findings, including visual aids and examples to illustrate your points.
Write a short essay on the role of form in Japanese literature
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of the significance of form and its impact on Japanese literature.
Browse courses on
Japanese Literature
Show steps
- Define what is meant by form in literature.
- Identify the various forms used in Japanese literature.
- Analyze how form contributes to the meaning and impact of Japanese literature.
- Provide examples from specific Japanese literary works to illustrate your points.
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