Contemporary Japanese literature - selected issues 3600-JA-WLJ-OW
Topics developed in the course include such areas as Japanese literature, linguistics, history, religion and philosophy, aesthetics, and art. Students expand their knowledge of a selected topic based on a wide selection of literature on the subject. In the case of the conversation classes, students analyze source texts, prepare papers on a selected topic, take part in discussions, and improve their workshop skills.
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Term 2023Z:
Emotional topographies and queer performativity: the novel art of Kawabata Yasunari and Mishima Yukio Kawabata Yasunari (1899-1972) and Mishima Yukio (1925-1970) - two outstanding writers of the 20th century whose work enriches modern Japanese literature; two sophisticated stylists and lovers of beauty; a Nobel laureate and multiple candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature; a discreet mentor and a faithful disciple, important to each other and present at many key moments in their lives. Kawabata introduced Mishima to the postwar elite literary community, had a role as Mishima's matchmaker and later as master of ceremonies for his funeral. Mishima, in turn, wrote respect-filled letters to Kawabata throughout his life, had high regard for his writing, and recommended his candidacy for the Nobel Prize. At the same time, their literature appears to be radically different. In Kawabata's work we find traditional Japanese intuitiveness, ambiguity and understatement, while Mishima's writing is distinguished by the logic of thought typical of the Western literary tradition precision of words. Is there anything that their literature has in common? Where does the typically Japanese sensitivity to beauty, characteristic of the Kawabata's text, with the universal elegance of Mishima's language? What made each of them admire the other's literature? |
Term 2024Z:
Emotional topographies and queer performativity: the novel art of Kawabata Yasunari and Mishima Yukio Kawabata Yasunari (1899-1972) and Mishima Yukio (1925-1970) - two outstanding writers of the 20th century whose work enriches modern Japanese literature; two sophisticated stylists and lovers of beauty; a Nobel laureate and multiple candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature; a discreet mentor and a faithful disciple, important to each other and present at many key moments in their lives. Kawabata introduced Mishima to the postwar elite literary community, had a role as Mishima's matchmaker and later as master of ceremonies for his funeral. Mishima, in turn, wrote respect-filled letters to Kawabata throughout his life, had high regard for his writing, and recommended his candidacy for the Nobel Prize. At the same time, their literature appears to be radically different. In Kawabata's work we find traditional Japanese intuitiveness, ambiguity and understatement, while Mishima's writing is distinguished by the logic of thought typical of the Western literary tradition precision of words. Is there anything that their literature has in common? Where does the typically Japanese sensitivity to beauty, characteristic of the Kawabata's text, with the universal elegance of Mishima's language? What made each of them admire the other's literature? |
Course coordinators
Type of course
General: elective courses | Term 2024Z: elective courses general courses | Term 2023Z: general courses elective courses |
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands
- has in-depth detailed knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) of literary studies or linguistics or philosophy and religion or history and socio-political issues [K_W01].
- has expanded knowledge on selected problems of Orient/African cultures (in the field of culture and literature or language or philosophy and religion or history and socio-political issues) in a comparative perspective [K_W02].
- has extended knowledge on selected problems of Japanese culture (in the field of culture and literature or language or philosophy and religion or history and socio-political issues) [K_W03].
- has detailed knowledge of the state of research on selected problems of Japan and centers [K_W05].
- knows and understands advanced methods of analyzing, interpreting and valuing various products of Japanese culture proper for chosen traditions, theories and research schools in the field of linguistics or literary and cultural studies or philosophy and religious studies or history [K_W06].
- has an orientation in contemporary Japanese cultural life [K_W08].
Abilities: graduate is able to
- can indicate the sources of cultural differences of Oriental countries, also on the basis of source materials [KU_02].
- can use terms from the field of Japanese philosophy and religion to analyze and interpret religious phenomena, ethical motives and human behavior, as well as differences between cultures [KU_06].
- is able to detect relations between formation of philosophical and religious ideas of Japan and social, cultural and economic processes [KU_07].
- can compare and analyze in depth relations between selected literary texts and/or other works of cultural creativity (film, press, social writings) of Japan and the issues of tradition and modernity [K_U09].
- is able to critically analyze and interpret various cultural products of Japan in a way appropriate to selected traditions, theories and research schools in the field of linguistics, literary studies, cultural studies or history, applying original approaches taking into account knowledge of oriental studies [K_U10]
Social competences: graduate is prepared to
- to be aware of the diversity resulting from cultural, religious and philosophical diversity, and its influence on the shaping of social and political attitudes and economic processes [K_K06].
- to understand the ethical issues and responsibilities related to the transmission of knowledge about Japan [K_K07].
Assessment criteria
- final oral or written assessment
- attendance check (pass/fail)
- continuous evaluation (current preparation for classes and activity)
Bibliography
Literature selections adapted to the topics undertaken in the semester.
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Term 2023Z:
None |
Term 2024Z:
Sources: |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: