HIST 498 MEDIEVAL JAPAN.
Dr. Andrew Goble Department of History
McKenzie 361 University of Oregon
541-346-4800 HIST 498/598, Spring 2008.
platypus@uoregon.edu MW 1200-1320; 185 Lillis
Office Hours: Tu 0900-1000; W 1400-1500. CRN 35575/35576
General
Japan's medieval period (roughly 1150s-1580s) is fun to study. It is distinguished by its social and political fluidity, and the decisive rise to political and social prominence of the warrior class. The era witnessed significant changes and developments: for example, the expression of a new warrior ethos; the development of a Zen culture; various nuances of religion and fate; new knowledge of healing and medicine; marginalization of some social groups; new ways in warfare; extensive overseas contacts; changes in women's prerogatives.
The class combines a chronological and topical engagement of the era. We will utilize lectures, films, and presentation of some of the visual legacies of the time (such as scroll paintings illustrating religious hells, sex, illnesses, Mongol invasions; portraits of lay and religious figures; castles; tea rooms and gardens), in conjunction with readings, to engage this fascinating era and its people.
Evaluation Three quizzes (4/16, 5/7, and 6/4; respectively worth 20%, 25%, and 20% of course grade). Study guides will be provided. One 3500 word essay (35%). The essay is due no later than May 28 . Late submission without good reason will be penalized (the demands of other courses do not constitute a reason). Please discuss the topic of the paper with the instructor no later than 5/14 . Talking over the topic earlier than this last date is encouraged; and I do enjoy the conversations.
Required Text Pierre Souyri. The World Turned Upside Down .
Further Reading : Souyri has a very good bibliography, and the notes provide further guidance to individual topics. This is a very useful resource.
The article on medieval Japan by Andrew Goble that appears in the Blackwell Companion to Japanese History (on course reserve) offers further overview and a guide to information.
In addition, a number of works have been placed on reserve in the Reserve Reading Room of the Knight Library. They are designed to supplement your reading on topics, and to serve as resources when considering your term paper.
ANTICIPATED LECTURE AND READING SCHEDULE
3/31 Course Introduction
Souyri, chapter 1.
4/02 Lecture 1: Emergence of the Warriors.
Souyri, chapters 2, 3.
4/07 Lecture 2: Kamakura, the First Warrior Government.
Souyri, chapter 4.
4/09 Lecture 3 Women and Property.
Souyri, chapters 4.
4/14 Lecture 4: (Slides): The Mongol Invasions.
Souyri, chapter 4.
4/16 First Quiz
Lecture 5 (Slides): Illness and Bodies.
4/21 Lecture 6: Buddhism and Karma: Hell, Salvation.
Souyri, chapter 5.
4/23. Lecture 7: Buddhism and Karma: “Leprosy,” Hospice and Marginality.
Souyri, chapters 5, 6.
4/28, 4/30 **FILM: Onibaba .
Souyri, chapters 6, 7 (for both days of the film).
4/30 **FILM: Onibaba .
5/05 Lecture 8: The Fourteenth Century Breakpoint.
Souyri, chapter 7.
5/07 ** Second Quiz .
Lecture 9: Kyoto and Commerce.
Souyri, chapter 9.
5/12 Lecture 10: Maritime Japan: Pirates; the China Connection.
Souyri, chapter 9.
5/14 Lecture 11: Zen and Its Culture.
Souyri, chapter 10
5/19 Lecture 12: The Ônin War (1467-1477) and its Aftermath
Souyri, chapter 10, 11.
5/21 Lecture 13: The Sixteenth Century Warlord.
FILM: Heaven and Earth .
Browse Souyri, chapters 10-12 (for both days of the film).
5/26 Memorial Day: No Class.
5/28 FILM: Heaven and Earth .
Browse Souyri, chapters 10-12 (for both days of the film)
Term paper due
6/02 Lecture 14: The End of the Medieval.
Souyri, chapter 12.
6/04 Third Quiz.
TERM PAPER GUIDELINES .
1. The term paper is an opportunity for you to organize your thoughts in your own words on a topic that interests you.
2. You need to be attentive to such things as:
a/ overall structure - a good introduction stating the goal, problem or question; a middle portion (which can be broken down into sub-sections); and a conclusion.
b/ realize that the reader is most interested in seeing you develop your thoughts and arguments, rather than being apprised too directly of others' thoughts, i.e. use direct quotation sparingly; and under all circumstances avoid the dreaded "P" (plagiarism) problem (double check that you have a fire-wall between your notes and summaries from sources and your final product.
3. Selecting topics can be challenging and at times frustrating. Please avail yourself of the opportunity to discuss a possible topic with the instructor. When thinking of a topic, it might be useful to consider whether you have a general interest in a wider topic (e.g. material culture), and then see whether you might explore that in the context of Japanese history. Or, you might consider issues that have come up in lectures or in your reading and which have seemed intriguing. In general, any historical topic dealing with Japan between 1150 and 1600 is acceptable, irrespective of whether it has been covered in class.
4. The reader is interested in coming to the conclusion that the piece is thoughtful, based on careful consideration of the material that forms the basis for the paper, and represents your thoughts in your words. The instructor is not “looking for” a set interpretation, and your conclusions are your own based on the material you have engaged (however, an argument that is the equivalent of something like the earth is flat will not be evaluated highly).
5. Bibliography: at least three sources that are not a textbook is a useful guide. Avail yourselves of the readings noted and bibliography in the assigned texts. Please feel free to consult with the instructor.
6. Use of internet sources (except for such things as online journals), unless specifically permitted by the instructor, is not acceptable, and will be penalized. In principle, use of internet sources not approved for the paper by the instructor is grounds for an automatic fail for the paper.