The Tale of Genji

Japanese-medium elective

This Japanese-medium content course explores The Tale of Genji, the world-famous Japanese classic written by Lady Murasaki. The novel consists of fifty-four chapters describing Genji’s romantic involvement with a number of noble ladies who resided in the veiled imperial court in the 11th century Heian era. It has been widely read as a story of love and hatred that vividly epitomizes human nature that can be still observed in contemporary society. While focusing on the personalities and portraits of major female characters who were tossed about by fate, the course also provides students with an opportunity to study the background of The Tale of Genji, including fashion, aesthetics, traditional events, and history. A range of familiar sources to students such as translations into modern Japanese, comics, and dramas is mainly used for analyses. 

Students who enrolled in or completed JAPN4088. Japanese language IV (Part I) or Japanese language IV (Part 2): Capstone experience cannot take this course.