Macalester College Catalog: Asian Studies Course Descriptions

Catalog home

The Academic Program

Asian Studies Course Descriptions

101 ELEMENTARY CHINESE I: This course is an introduction to Chinese language and culture. It offers instruction and practice in basic sentence patterns and conversational expressions to enable students to speak and write in Chinese. Every fall. (4 credits)

102 ELEMENTARY CHINESE II: Continuation of Asian Studies 101. Prerequisite: Asian Studies 101 or its equivalent. Spring semester. (4 credits)

111 INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN STUDIES: This course explores the history of the idea of Asia and how that concept and region have been explicated both in the West and in China, Japan, and India. We examine Buddhism, Confucianism, and Hinduism, religious and philosophical traditions that have been seen as unifying Asia, and consider how those traditions have been used to address contemporary problems like human rights, economic development, and security. The course traces historical relationships among Asian nations and regions involving cultural borrowing, trade, conquest, and colonialism have shaped contemporary Asia, and considers how under globalization, boundaries separating people, cultural artifacts, and capital have become porous, giving new meaning to the notion "Asia." Every year. (4 credits)

124 INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN RELIGIONS (Same as Religious Studies 124): An introduction to the study of Asian religious traditions in South and East Asia (India, China and Japan). Open to everyone but especially appropriate for first and second year students. Every year. (4 credits)

127 RELIGIONS OF INDIA (Same as Religious Studies 127): An introductory level course on the popular, classical and contemporary religious traditions of South Asia. Topics include Advaita Vedanta and yoga, popular devotionalism, monastic and lay life in Theravada Buddhism, the caste system, Gandhi and modern India. Prerequisite: Religious Studies 124 or permission of instructor. Alternate years. (4 credits)

129 RELIGIONS OF EAST ASIA (Same as Religious Studies 129): An introductory level course on popular, classical and contemporary religious traditions of China and Japan. Topics include Confucian thought, Taoist classics, sectarian Buddhism, popular religion, and Zen. No prerequisite. Alternate years. (4 credits)

136 INDIAN PHILOSOPHIES (Same as Philosophy 136): An introductory study of some of the great philosophers and philosophical problems of the Indian philosophical tradition focusing on Buddhist and Hindu philosophical debate from the time of the Buddha to around 1000 CE. Topics will include the role of philosophy in the Indian intellectual and religious tradition; Indian logic; the relationship between philosophy and practice (yoga, meditation); what counts as knowledge (pramana theory); ultimate truth versus conventional truth; Buddhist/Hindu debate on the nature of persons, rebirth and karma; competing theories of reality (momentariness, emptiness, non-dualism, realism) and methodologies of cross-cultural philosophy. Students will learn the basic Sanskrit terminology of Indian philosophy and will work with primary source material in translation. Every year. (4 credits)

140 INTRODUCTION TO EAST ASIAN CIVILIZATION (Same as History 140): This course introduces the cultures and societies of China, Japan and Korea from the earliest times to the present day. Primarily an introductory course for beginners in East Asian civilization, this course considers a variety of significant themes in religious, political, economic, social and cultural developments in the region. Every fall. (4 credits)

170 CHINESE ART AND CULTURE (Same as Art 170): This course provides a broad thematic survey of artistic production in China from prehistoric jades to experimental installations in contemporary Beijing. While encouraging the close analysis of visual materials and exploring the methods appropriate to interpreting works of art, this course also emphasizes the specific historical, political and religious contexts that made, used and inspired these materials. Topics include the funerary art of early tombs, Buddhist cave temples and monumental ink landscape paintings. Fall semester. (4 credits)

171 JAPANESE ART AND CULTURE (Same as Art 171): This course provides a survey of the art and architecture of Japan from the archaic pottery of the Jomon period to the impact of Japanese animation on the global art market. While the chronological scope of this course is defined broadly, works of art are studied within their specific social, religious, and political settings. Topics include Zen temple gardens, the decoration of feudal castles, woodblock prints of the pleasure quarters and contemporary Japanese manga (comics) culture. Spring semester. (4 credits)

203 INTERMEDIATE CHINESE I: Continuation of 101. While the emphasis is placed on listening and speaking skills, students continue their study of characters and begin to work with short texts. Prerequisite: 102 or its equivalent. Fall semester. (4 credits)

204 INTERMEDIATE CHINESE II: Continuation of 203. Prerequisite: 203 or its equivalent. Spring semester. (4 credits)

240 BUDDHISM/RELIGIOUS IMAGES (Same as Religious Studies 240): Art, in one form or another, plays an important but often ignored role in all religions. This is especially true of Buddhism, which is sometimes misunderstood to be nothing more than a rational philosophy. In this class, we will explore the importance of religious images in the Buddhist tradition focusing on status but sometimes including two-dimensional representation in our discussions. We will address issues such as whether images represent a deity or instead become the actual deity; the ideas images can relate that cannot be conveyed through a text; whether those seeking to spread religious teachings consciously use the images as a tool, or whether they do so as a natural outgrowth of their teachings; and a comparison of the favored images of various Buddhist schools and Asian countries. Our focus will not be on the methods through which particular objects were constructed but rather the function which they served. Alternate years. (4 credits)

256 PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF SOUTH ASIA (Same as Anthropology 256): Introduces students to anthropological knowledge of the peoples and cultures of South Asia and to the ways in which Western knowledge of that region has been constructed. The course examines the historical and social processes that have shaped the culture and lifeways of the people who live on the subcontinent and that link the modern states of South Asia to the world beyond their frontiers. Alternate years. (4 credits)

257 THE IMAGE IN 20TH CENTURY CHINA (Same as Art 257): This course investigates the function of images in the social and political life of 20th century China. From the last decades of dynastic rule through the rise of Communism and ending with China's current presence on the global stage, we explore the role of the image in representations of cultural identity, the relationship between tradition and modernity, and changes in technology and media. Every year. (4 credits)

270 ART AND RELIGION ALONG THE SILK ROAD (Same as Art 270): This course investigates the intersection of art and religion through the cave temples of Dunhuang, the vast site of Buddhist art and architecture along the Silk Road in northwest China. The nearly 500 decorated caves from this site and the thousands of paintings and manuscripts discovered there in 1900 provide multiple perspectives onto 1000 years of Chinese religious art and social history (400 CE to 1400 CE). Accordingly, this course introduces the basic styles, iconography and narratives of Buddhist art in China, while emphasizing the function of these images within their social and cultural contexts. Every year. (4 credits)

274 HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL CHINA (Same as History 274): A study of the traditional culture and society of China from earliest times to the eighteenth century, when the impact of the West was strongly felt. The course will be based on detailed study of selected significant themes in Chinese history. Lecture/discussion format. Alternate years. (4 credits)

275 HISTORY OF MODERN CHINA (Same as History 275): A study of leading institutions and movements of nineteenth- and twentieth-century China. Major emphases include the impact of Western imperialism, the transformation of peasant society through revolution, the rise of Mao Tse-Tung, and the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Special attention will be given to U.S.-China relations. Every year. (4 credits)

276 HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL JAPAN (Same as History 276): A survey of the major political, social, religious, intellectual, economic and artistic developments in Japan from earliest times to the opening of Japan in the 1850s. It also examines Japan's relations with its close neighbors, Korea and China. Alternate years. (4 credits)

277 HISTORY OF MODERN JAPAN (Same as History 277): Japan's rapid industrialization in the latter part of the nineteenth century, and its phenomenal rise as the number two economic power in the world after the devastation wrought by World War II, have led many scholars to declare Japan a model worthy of emulation by all "developing" nations. After an examination of feudal Japan, this course probes the nature and course of Japan's "amazing transformation" and analyzes the consequences of its strengths as a nation-state. Considerable study of Japanese art, literature, and religion will be undertaken and American attitudes toward the Japanese and their history will also be examined. Every year. (4 credits)

278 WAR CRIMES AND MEMORY IN CONTEMPORARY EAST ASIA (Same as History 278): This course's main goal is to introduce evidence of the major crimes and atrocities during World War II in East Asia such as the Nanjing Massacre, biochemical warfare (Unit 731), the military sexual slavery ("comfort women") system, the forced labor system, and inhumane treatment of POWs. The course will also help students understand the contemporary geo-political and socio-economic forces that affect how East Asians and Westerners collectively remember and reconstruct World War II. Alternate years.(4 credits)

340 LIVING ON THE EDGE: THE ASIAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE (Same as American Studies 340): The Asian American experience will be used to examine the role of cultural heritage in how one views oneself, one's own ethnic group and the dominant culture. This interdisciplinary course consists of experiencing the art, reading the literature and history, and discussing the current issues of several Asian American communities. Topics include the role of women, stereotype, racism and assimilation. Alternate years. (4 credits)

614 INDEPENDENT STUDY: Juniors and above may pursue an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member in or associated with Asian Studies. Prerequisites: Asian Studies 111 and two other courses related to Asia. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

624 INTERNSHIP: Sophomores and above may extend their learning beyond Macalester by working for an organization or institution related to Asia, usually in the Twin Cities. Required: sponsorship by a supervisor from the organization and also the sponsorship of a faculty member associated with Asian Studies. Prerequisite: Asian Studies 111. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

634 PRECEPTORSHIP: Students may be invited by a faculty member in Asian Studies to assist in the preparation and teaching of an Asian Studies course. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

Japanese Language and Culture

Major Concentration

In consultation with an advisor from within the department, students develop a major plan with a focus on Japanese language and culture. All major plans will include:


Courses taken in a study abroad program may substitute for required classes, with the approval of the chair.


Minor Concentration

A minor in Japanese Language and Culture includes courses chosen in consultation with an advisor from within the program. Requirements include:


Topics Courses

194, 294, 394, 494: Examination of selected topics of concern to Japanese Language and Culture. To be announced at registration. (4 credits)

COURSES

101 ELEMENTARY JAPANESE I: Introduction to Japanese language and culture. Practice in basic sentence patterns and conversational expressions to enable students to speak and write Japanese. Fall semester. (4 credits)

102 ELEMENTARY JAPANESE II: Continuation of Japanese 101. Prerequisite: Japanese 101 or its equivalent. Spring semester. (4 credits)

150 IMAGES OF MASCULINE AND FEMININE IN JAPANESE CULTURE: Research in fields as different as genetics and anthropology has suggested that gender (Webster: "the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with one sex") is a cultural rather than innate phenomenon. Looking closely at the expectations for and characteristics of "male" and "female" across cultures can help to recognize how those expectations and characteristics are created in one's own culture. This course examines closely some of the many written and visual prescriptions for being male and female in Japanese culture, through selections from fictional narratives, poetry, drama, and non-fiction ranging from very early times (circa 700 AD) to the present. We will examine how various art, film, manga (graphic novels), and animation produced both for Japanese audiences as well as for the "export" of Japanese culture to the West invoke, reinforce, or challenge stereotypes of male and female. Offered once every three years. (4 credits)

203 INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE I: Continuation of Japanese 102. While the emphasis is placed on listening and speaking skills, students continue their study of kanji and begin to work with short texts. Prerequisite: Japanese 102 or its equivalent. Fall semester. (4 credits)

204 INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE II: Continuation of Japanese 203. Prerequisite: Japanese 203 or its equivalent. Spring semester. (4 credits)

235 COMMUNICATIVE STRATEGIES IN JAPANESE SOCIETY (Same as Linguistics 235): This course aims at understanding communicative strategies employed by Japanese speakers. Students of Japanese language often wonder what cultural assumptions and strategies lie behind the language they are studying. In language classrooms such issues are touched upon but never fully explained in the interest of time. This course offers in-depth explorations of the interrelationship between Japanese language and society. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon their own communicative strategies. They will also read about strategies used by American English speakers as a point of comparison.
: How is gender articulated in Japanese society? Is the so-called feminine speech in Japanese real? If the feminine speech is considered "powerless," how do women in authoritative positions speak? Problems in U.S.-Japan business and other negotiations are often reported in the popular press. How are they related to how people in each country communicate with one another? Japanese people are supposed to be "polite." How, to whom, and in what context do they express politeness? Are their politeness strategies markedly different from those of other countries? Students will have opportunities to explore issues such as these. No Japanese language ability required. Alternate years. (4 credits)

251 THE FICTION OF MODERN JAPAN: This course introduces major authors, texts, and issues in modern Japanese literature from 1868 to the present. The focus will be on works of fiction (mainly novels, novellas, and short stories) and how they mediate and complicate the relationships between: self and other, tradition and modernity, nation and empire, and history and memory. One of the central themes of the course is the role of literature in the production, transformation, and contestation of the national narratives and cultural constructs-or the fictions-of modern Japan. In addition to the literary or textual aspects of individual works (such as language, style, and narration), we will consider the specific historical, political, and socioeconomic factors informing these works. No prior knowledge of Japan or Japanese is required. Readings are in English or English translation. Alternate years. (4 credits)

255 JAPANESE FILM: This course examines some of the enormous body of Japanese film, focusing on works from the 1930s to the present. We will see the work of well-known directors like Mizoguchi, Ozu, Kurosawa, and Oshima, as well as recent films by directors like Kitano, Iwai, and Morita. Thematically, the films will be united by a single topic, which changes with each offering (previous topics have included "Love, Sex, and Death" and "Families On Film"). Methodologically, the course considers how to approach Japanese film, and engages with a number of critics who have argued that Japanese film is intrinsically different from other national cinemas, particularly from classical Hollywood norms. We will consider the strengths and weaknesses of this argument, and we will also address recent research which calls for analyzing film within an evolving media system. No Japanese language ability required. All films shown with English subtitles. Every year. (4 credits)

305 ADVANCED JAPANESE I: Continuation of Japanese 204. Emphasizes continued development of conversation skills, while not neglecting the development of reading skills. Prerequisite: Japanese 204 or permission of instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

306 ADVANCED JAPANESE II: Continuation of Japanese 305. Emphasizes strong development of reading and writing skills. Prerequisite: Japanese 305 or permission of instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

335 ANALYZING JAPANESE LANGUAGE (Same as Linguistics 335): Our perception is greatly influenced by the language we use. Without knowing, we limit ourselves to thinking that our current perspective is the only way by which to view ourselves and the world. By analyzing Japanese, students can experience perceptual and cultural systems that are different from their own. At the same time, students may also discover that there are certain qualities that are common even in "exotic" languages such as Japanese. What is the difference between subject and topic? (The "topic marker," which is not used in English, is prominent in Japanese.) Why can't you translate "he is cold" word for word into Japanese? How do women talk differently from men? In what kind of situation should we use honorific language? What is "in-group" as opposed to "out-group" and how is that societal distinction reflected in language? This course offers answers to these questions that students of Japanese commonly have. Prerequisite: Japanese 204 or permission of instructor. Alternate years. (4 credits)

407 FOURTH YEAR JAPANESE I: This course aims at the acquisition of advanced level proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students are given opportunities to develop abilities to narrate and describe, to understand main ideas and most details of connected discourse on a variety of topics, to read prose several paragraphs in length, and to write routine social correspondence and join sentences in simple discourse of at least several paragraphs in length on familiar topics. In addition, students will practice language that is sociolinguistically appropriate in specific situations. Prerequisite: Japanese 306 or permission of instructor. Fall semester. May be repeated for credit. (4 credits)

408 FOURTH YEAR JAPANESE II: This course is a continuation of Fourth Year Japanese I. It continues work on the acquisition of advanced level proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students are given opportunities to understand the main ideas of extended discourse, to read texts which are linguistically complex, and to write about a variety of topics. Prerequisite: Japanese 407 or permission of instructor. Spring Semester. May be repeated for credit. (4 credits)

488 TRANSLATING JAPANESE: THEORY AND PRACTICE (Same as Linguistics 488): How do you translate a haiku, a one-line, seventeen-syllable Japanese poem? In three lines, as is normal for haiku in English? Or, like the original, in seventeen syllables? These are some of the questions we will consider in this course, which covers both the practical aspects of translating Japanese (from haiku to film subtitles) and the theoretical implications of this act (such as fidelity, difference, and orientalism). Assignments will consist of readings in translation theory and practice, with particular emphasis on Japanese literary translation, as well as exercises in Japanese-to-English translation. In addition, students will complete a final translation project of publishable quality. Prerequisite: Japanese 305 (Advanced Japanese 1) or higher. Readings are in English and Japanese. Alternate years. (4 credits)

604 TUTORIAL: Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Tutorials may be arranged for special kanji study or for supervised reading. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT: Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

634 PRECEPTORSHIP: Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

Macalester College · 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105 USA · 651-696-6000
Comments and questions to webmaster@macalester.edu