Topics in Japanese Culture and Society

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Seminar/Discussion) This course explores the development of intellectual culture in Tokugawa Japan (1600-1858). We examine the slaughter of Japanese Christians and Confucianism's subsequent rise as a state ideology for the Shogunate. We study how an increasing number of scholars responded to Chinese learning by turning toward Neo-Confucianism, Japanese nativism, and Western learning, as alternatives to Classical Confucian education. Along with the diversity of thought, we explore how popular culture materialized in forms of print literature and theatrical entertainment. Finally, we focus on the culture of dissent that emerged as the Shogun's reign came to an end. Cross-listed: EALC-3720/4720(3) & REL-3720(3). Restrictions: Honours Form Required. Students may not hold credit for this course and EALC-3720 | EALC-4720 | REL-3720. Requisite Courses: One of REL-1002, REL-2704, REL-2705, REL-2707, REL-2708, REL-2709, REL-2718, or REL-2721 [prerequisite(s)].