JAPN 212: Samurai Spirit
This course explores the four periods of the samurai tradition to survey changing roles and philosophy behind its existence. The survey will analyze contemporary images/stereotypes of the samurai. The course employs ancient war tales, historical documents and paintings, maps, articles, literary works, different genres of samurai films, and videos to fully examine one of the most popular Japanese cultural icons.
Towards MLO 2
Reflective Narrative
By delving into the history of the samurai, from ancient through modern times, we explored Japanese culture and history as it developed alongside the samurai. The history of the Samurai has been deeply entwined with Japanese history; Samurai warrior culture has significantly contributed to the development of Japanese culture into what it is today. Through this course I gained a deeper understanding of both historical and modern Japanese culture and how modern Japanese culture came into being. In particular, I learned what the stereotypes versus the reality of samurai is and the reasons these stereotypes exist and serve as such a symbol of Japan. For example, the modern perception of samurai and their place as a Japanese cultural icon, came about after World War 2. Japanese people were defeated and trying to recapture what made them Japanese. Samurai, with the image of being unique and impressive sword wielding fighters who lived by a strict code of honor, gave the Japanese people an image of Japan they could be proud of. I also learned the true samurai code through reading The Book of Five Rings and many of the most famous samurai, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga. We did many assignments to learn more and demonstrate our understanding of the material, such as a group presentation on Toyotomi Hideyoshi and a final paper.
In the future, I would like to learn more about Japanese history in order to better understand the modern culture. In order to do this I would like to read more modern and historic Japanese literature, such as The Tale of Genji and works by Yoshimoto Banana. Also, I would like to watch more Japanese films, especially those by Akira Kurosawa, who had a great influence on the film industry around the world.
In the future, I would like to learn more about Japanese history in order to better understand the modern culture. In order to do this I would like to read more modern and historic Japanese literature, such as The Tale of Genji and works by Yoshimoto Banana. Also, I would like to watch more Japanese films, especially those by Akira Kurosawa, who had a great influence on the film industry around the world.