2025 Fall
JAPAN 7A 001 - LEC 001
Introduction to Premodern Japanese Literature and Culture
Class #:21713
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
East Asian Languages and Cultures
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
59
Enrolled: 1
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 60
Waitlist Max: 5
Open Reserved Seats:
49 unreserved seats
10 reserved for Chinese, Japanese, and East Asian Religion, Thought, & Culture Majors
Hours & Workload
3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, 8 hours of outside work hours per week, and 1 hours of the exchange of opinions or questions on course material per week.
Course Catalog Description
This course is an overview of Japanese literature and culture, 7th- through 18th-centuries. 7A begins with Japan's early myth-history and its first poetry anthology, which show the transition from a preliterate, communal society to a courtly culture. Noblewomen's diaries, poetry anthologies, and selections from the Tale of Genji offer a window into that culture. We examine how oral culture and high literary art mix in Kamakura period tales and explore representations of heroism in military chronicles and medieval Noh drama. After considering the linked verse of late medieval times, we read vernacular literature from the urban culture of the Edo period. No previous course work in Japanese literature, history, or language is expected.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat Rules
Course is not repeatable for credit.
Requirements class fulfills
Meets Arts & Literature, L&S Breadth
Meets Historical Studies, L&S Breadth
Reserved Seats
Reserved Seating For This Term
Current Enrollment
Open Reserved Seats:
49 unreserved seats
10 reserved for Chinese, Japanese, and East Asian Religion, Thought, & Culture Majors
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials