Japanese Courses

SPRING 2008 (2084)

JPNSE 1071 (11381) World of Japan: Zen Buddhism and Culture

E. Suhara

1This course will address questions such as, "what is the relationship between Zen "ideas" and Japanese culture," "how is Zen different from other schools of Buddhism," "how is Japanese Zen different from Chinese Zen (Chan)," and "what is the philosophical significance of Zen in Japanese culture discussed by scholars?" The popular image of Zen Buddhism in the United States is due in large part to "pioneers" such as D.T. Suzuki who came to the U.S. in 1897 to promote and teach his native Zen. As an introduction, we will look at his argument as to why Zen is unique and how it has permeated Japanese culture through the examples of the Japanese tea ceremonies, haiku, swordplay, noh theater, and so forth. In addition, we will look at critics of Suzuki and the perceived sociological and political implications of Zen with special attention paid to wars in modern Japan. World of Japan with this subtitle may not be offered again.

2. No prerequisites.

3. No recitation.

4. Expected class size: 30.

5. First time offered with this content. This may be a one-time offering.

FALL 2007 (2081)

1071 World of Japan ( (xlisted with Hist 1432 and HAA 1655)

2081 M. Chaiklin

1.This course covers the period between 1570 and 1870, beginning with the unification of Japan under the sixteenth century military war lords and ending with the collapse of the Tokugana Shogunate. Students will read selections from the major scholarly literature of the period.

2. No prerequisites.

3. No recitation.

4. Expected class size: 40.

5. First time offered with this content.