Japanese 5220/4300
Waka, Renga, and Haiku
Course Description
Close study of the classical Japanese poetic forms waka, renga, and haiku. The course will
emphasize the reading and analysis of texts and authors which best represent the genres.
Readings will include primary texts as well as secondary literature in Japanese and English.
Course Goals
To develop linguistic, literary, and cultural competencies to read classical Japanese poetry. This
will include focus on the rhetorical devices and linguistic and formall characteristics of Japanese
poetry; familiarity with the cultural and historical backgrounds of the various genres and major
poets; awareness of the interrelationships of genres; introduction to the critical literature in
Japanese and English.
Course Requirements
All students will be expected to read Japanese Court Poetry by Brower and Miner during
the semester. Other readings may be assigned. In addition, each student will read and present to
the class other critical works on classical Japanese poetry (which may be selected from the
attached bibliographies or selected on consultation with the instructor). All students will be
responsible for reading assigned selections of poetry and/or Japanese critical texts each week.
Each student will complete a semester project/seminar paper, which may consist of a translation
of previously untranslated works of Japanese poetry, of a critical study of some aspect of
Japanese classical poetry, or a combination of the two.
Evaluation
Grades will be based on class presentations (20%), class preparation and participation (50%), and
the seminar project (30%).
Schedule
We will begin by reading selections from the Manyooshuu, tale literature (Ise
and/or Tosa nikki), and chokusenshuu. Other texts will be selected based on class
interest and may include noo dramas, renga, haikai bungaku, karon/hairon, senryuu or
kyooka, and "modern" waka and haiku.
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