Introduction:
This is an introductory course to the Japanese History from the beginning to the Tokugawa Period.
Course Description: The course provides the general knowledge of Japanese History focusing on the political, social, economic and cultural aspects. The course focuses on the specific periods such as the Kofun, Ancient, Rise of States, Rise of Samurai, Warring Period, and so on.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the semester, you should be able to recognize the major periods, figures and issues of Japanese History.
Grading:
Attendance------------------ 5 %
Writing Assignment-------- 25 %
Mid-term Exam------------- 30 %
Final Exam------------------ 40 %
The gradings depend on your attendance, writing assignment, mid-term exam, and final exam. You are required to come to class. Writing assignment and exams are essays.
Writing Assignment:
Watch Samurai Movies such as the Seven Samurai, Shogun, Samurai I, II, III, Yojoimbo, Sanjuro and so on . Write 3 to 5 page review on the movie. Include your opinion on the Hollywood view of the Samurais vs. the actual samurais.
Course Schedule:
Week 1 Introduction to the class
The Beginning of Japan, Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun Era
Week 2 the Formation and Development of Ancient States Asuka Period and Shoutoku Taishi
Week 3 Nara Period
Week 4 Heian Period
Week 5 Hogen War and Heiji War
Week 6 Aftermath of the Wars and the Formation of Samurai Government
Week 7 First Mongol Invasion
Mid-Term Exam Week
Week 8 Rise in the Japanese Feudalism, Emergence of Daimyos
Week 9 The Onin War and the beginning of the Period of Warring States
Week 10 Samurai Warfare
Week 11 Azuchi-Momoyama Period, and Unification of the feudal states.
Week 12 The Beginning of the Edo Period and sustaining Peace
Week 13 The Edo Culture
Week 14 The Isolationism and the Late Edo Period
Week 15 Final Exam Week