EAST 340 - The Tale of Genji

FC ARHU CD

4 credits
Written a thousand years ago by court lady Murasaki Shikibu, The Tale of Genji is one of the most celebrated texts of Japanese literature, even referred to as “the world’s first novel.” This course begins with the socio-historical and literary context of Heian Japan (794-1185), followed by a guided exploration of Genji’s English transitions. Furnished with critical perspectives and scholarly studies on themes such as desire, love, loss, gender, transgression, and interiority, students will gain insight into Genji-an influential literary text and cultural phenomenon in Japan and abroad, and one that will continue to be.