JAPANESE 307

Classical Language and Culture


Please note: this is archived course information from 2018 for JAPANESE 307.

Description

This course introduces classical Japanese language (known as kobun or bungo) by examining the classical grammatical forms and their use in a range of texts from different eras. While Classical Japanese is no longer spoken, it is still alive in the language of today, especially in more formal situations. Learning the classical language opens the door not only to better literacy in modern Japanese, but also to a whole world of Japanese history and culture. This course provides a basic introduction to classical Japanese grammar, and an exploration of the historical and cultural backgrounds of a number of texts.

By the end of this course you should be familiar with aspects of classical grammar including the ability to identify parts of speech, and be able to conjugate verbs and adjectives in their classical forms. You will recognise the basic vocabulary used in the premodern texts, understand the historical spelling conventions and be able to pronounce texts written in premodern orthography. You will also have a knowledge of aspects of the historical and cultural contexts for the texts, with themes including Buddhist thought and attitudes, the usage of the lunisolar calendar and various literary devices and genres.

Availability 2018

Not offered in 2018; planned for 2019

Lecturer(s)

Coordinator(s) Dr Wayne Lawrence

Assessment

Coursework + exam

Points

JAPANESE 307: 15 points

Prerequisites

45 points at Stage II in Japanese

Corequisites

JAPANESE 331 or 332