The Samurai in Japanese History 3600-JA-SWHJ-OG

The classes include reading and interpreting historical sources and studies concerning the Japanese Middle Ages and Early Modern times, as well as discussing them. Students learn the methods used by historians to work with historical sources and studies, how to discuss them, and how to critique such texts. The topics covered include the history of the samurai as a social group, the development and transformation of the samurai ethos, sense of honor, identity, social and political attitudes, customs, etc.

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The classes will focus primarily on the history and ethos of the samurai from the emergence of this social group in late antiquity to the Edo period. Knowledge of Japanese is not required.

Course coordinators

Jędrzej Greń

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

- has in-depth and detailed knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) in literary studies or linguistic studies or philosophy and religion studies or history K_W01

- has extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the culture of Japan (within the scope of culture and literature or language or philosophy and religion or history and socio-political issues) K_W03

- knows and understands advanced analysis and interpretation methods of various products of Japanese culture, characteristic of chosen traditions, theories, research schools within the scope of linguistics or literary and cultural studies or philosophy and religion studies or history K_W06

Skills

- can use the terminology from the domain of philosophy and religion of Japan to analyze and interpret religious phenomena, ethical motives and human behaviours, as well as cultural differences K_U06

- can carry out a critical analysis and interpretation of different products of culture of Japan in a way which is appropriate to a chosen tradition, theory and research school within the scope of linguistics or literary and cultural studies or philosophy and religion studies or history, employing unique approaches that take into account the knowledge in the field of Japanese studies K_U10

Social competences

- has awareness of the differences stemming from cultural, religious and philosophical variety and their influence on shaping social and political attitudes as well as economic processes K_K06

Assessment criteria

Continuous assessment based on:
- class attendance
- preparation for classes
- active participation in discussions
- oral exam (in case of lack of activity in class)

Practical placement

n/a

Bibliography

Selected readings in Polish and English (studies and sources) on Medieval and Early Modern Japanese history, provided by the instructor. Among others:

Ikegami Eiko, Poskromienie samurajów. Honorowy indywidualizm i kształtowanie się nowożytnej Japonii, Wydawnictwo UJ, Kraków 2011.

Karl Friday, Samurai, Warfare, And The State In Early Medieval Japan, Routledge, New York-London 2004.

Ōta Gyūichi, The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga, tłum. J.S.A. Elisonas, J.P. Lamers, Brill, Leiden-Boston 2011.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Hagakure - Ukryte w listowiu, tłum. M. Mydel, Diamond Books, Bydgoszcz 2015.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3600-JA-SWHJ-OG in USOSweb