ASIA 237 - JAPANESE POETRY & PERFORMANCE
Long Title: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE POETRY AND PERFORMING ARTS
Department: Asian Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group I
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Undergraduate Professional
Visiting Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Description: This course introduces students to traditional verse forms and performing arts of Japan with a focus on their multimodal and cognitive characteristics. We will learn the history and rules of poetic forms, like waka and haiku, and the techniques and methods of performance arts like Noh, singing storytelling, Kabuki, and puppet theater. We will learn how verbal, vocal, visual, and architectural arts, including calligraphy, painting, and stage design, shaped each other, and how the special characteristics of written and spoken languages of Japan (including Chinese written and quoted by Japanese authors), along with universal cognitive mechanisms, like prediction and memory, interacted and gave rise to unique and moving artistic manifestations. Readings/viewings will be in translation/subtitled, and no background in East Asian languages is required, but interested students may request help with locating and analyzing original-language material.