History of Japanese Culture and Institutions HISTORY 256


History of Japanese Culture and Institutions HISTORY 256

History 256 First Page I Getting Started on the Web I Syllabus I Requirement I Museum Field Project I Library Assignment I Cultural Projects I Videos I Maps I Chronology I Bibliography I Websites I

The History of Japanese Culture and Institutions is a one semester survey of the dominant intellectual, cultural, social, economic, and religious patterns of the civilization from its beginnings to modern times An expert in East Asian history noted: "Mutual understanding between Westerners and the peoples of East Asia is needed to form a basis for harmonious relations. But understanding must be based on a knowledge and appreciation of the peoples' different customs, attitudes, and ideas, and forms of self expression." Japan can best be understood by analyzing the evolution of various institutions that shaped present day Japan. Japan's traditions are cumulative and originated during its early history.

Topics include: Early Japan, The Absorption of Chinese civilization. The Nara Period, the Culture of the Fujiwara Period, Feudal Japan, the Rise of the Provincial Warrior Class, The Kamakura Period, The Ashikaga, The Tokugawa Shogunate, The Impact of the West, Japan's Response to the West, Modernization of Meiji Japan, Imperial Japan, World War II in East Asia, The Occupation of Japan, and the New Japan.
In addition to assigned readings, students will be required to write a paper, complete two examinations, a museum project, and a cultural project. Opportunities are offered for students to visit the Walters' Oriental Collection, the Metropolitan Museum's Japanese Collection, New York's Natural History Museum's Asian dispaly, the Smithsonian's Asian display, the Sackler Gallery of Asian Art, and the Freer Gallery.

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