二十世紀前半の短篇小説（英訳つき）を読みながら日本の発展についてもっと分かること。（授業言語は英語なので以下の説明も英語となります。）
During the past 100 years, Japan has had a flood of short writings. Long novels get more famous, awards and all, but many of the shorter works are both more powerful and more readable. In this class, we are going to read some of the most famous Japanese writers of their day, and see some of their times through their eyes. These writings offer enough glimpses of actual Japan to make worthwhile reading even in translation.

For international students, training Japanese reading ability. For Japanese participants, practicing English discussion on topics related to Japan. For both, learning more about 20th century Japanese history and literature.

Japanese literature, 20th century history, scenes of life in modernizing Japan

(Please refer to the curriculum map to determine which curriculum policy is applicable for this course.)
The first half of Japan's 20th century: typical and less typical scenes of everyday life in a rapidly-changing country

These are short pieces, so we are going to read at least one per session. Explanations about the authors, works, point of view, and background will be given at the beginning of each session, after which we will enter into discussion, participants contributing questions as well as comments on points of interest.

1: Japan's Way from Modernization until after the War, a Brief Overview
2: Tayama Katai: One Soldier (1908, tr. Sargent)
3: Mori Ogai: Under Reconstruction (1910, tr. Morris)
4: Kume Masao: The Tiger (1918, tr. Brower)
5: Kikuchi Kan: Games of Chance (1920, tr. Bester)
Kanbayashi Akatsuki: Vision in Spring (1957, tr. Bester)
6: Tokuda Shusei: Order of the White Paulownia (1935, tr. Morris)
8. Nagai Kafu: The Decoration (1942, tr. Seidensticker)
7: Ibuse Masuji: The Far-Worshipping Captain (1950, tr. Shaw)
8: Hara Tamiki: Summer Flower (1947, tr. Saito)
9: Nagai Kafu: The Scavengers (1948, tr. Seidensticker)
10: Hayashi Fumiko: Downtown (1948, tr. Morris)
Hayashi Fumiko: Bones (1949, tr. Takaya)
11: Niwa Fumio: The Hateful Age (1947, tr. Morris)
12: Hirabayashi Taiko: A Man's Life (1950, tr. Saito)
13 to 15: Presentations

There will be no reports demanded from participants, just a short English-speaking presentation on a course-related topic of the presenter’s own choice, accompanied by a written handout, in one of the final sessions.

As for texts, there are going to be both originals and English translations at hand, so this course won't rely too much on participants' Japanese ability. Readings will be chosen from among the works mentioned. All participants should read them carefully before the discussion.

Grading will be based on: A - participation in class, B - acquisition of knowledge, C - level of comprehension, D - level of general skills (logical thinking, writing). Apart from your presentation, taking an active part in discussions will be essential for successful participation.

Presentation: 40%. Active participation: 60%.

Prints of the stories will be distributed one to two weeks before discussion.

Most important is your interest in modern Japan and its writers.

Thursday, 16:30 to 17:30 (General Education Section 1, 2nd floor, E-204)