Click here for the introduction to the Round and Square series "Syllabic Cycles"
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On this date in Round and Square History15 January 2015—Attendance Policy: Spring 2015
15 January 2015—China's Lunar Calendar: 2015 01-15
15 January 2014—Erlangen 91052: Introduction
15 January 2014—China's Lunar Calendar: 2014 01-15
15 January 2013—Channeling Liam: Free Will
15 January 2012—Hurtin', Leavin, and Longin': Upbeat and Downcast
15 January 2011—Kanji Mastery: Resource Center
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| [a] Golden RF |
Japan, East Asia, and the Pacific World
HIST 212
Autumn 2023
TTh 10:00-11:45
Robert André LaFleur Office Hours:
Morse Ingersoll 206 Tuesday: 11:45-13:15
363-2005 Thursday: 11:45-13:15
363-2005 Thursday: 11:45-13:15
lafleur@beloit.edu ...or by appointment
Required Books
Benedict, Ruth. The Chrysanthemum and the Sword
Berry, Mary Elizabeth. Japan in Print
Bestor, Theodore. Neighborhood Tokyo
Bestor, Theodore. Tsukiji: The Fish Market at the Center of the World
Bix, Herbert. Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan
Dower, John. Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II
Keene, Donald. Emperor of Japan: Meiji and His World, 1852-1912
Lu, David. Japan: A Documentary History.
McCullough, Helen. Classical Japanese Prose: An Anthology
McCullough, Helen. Classical Japanese Prose: An Anthology
Ohnuki-Tierney, Emiko. Rice as Self: Japanese Identities Through Time
Rupp, Katherine. Gift-Giving in Japan
Stalker, Nancy. Japan: History and Culture
Totman, Conrad. Japan: An Environmental History
Winchester, Simon. The Pacific.
All books are on library reserve
On Library Reserve—Required Reading/Watching
Lu, David, Japan: A Documentary History
LaFleur, Robert, Great Mythologies of the World: East Asia and the Pacific
On Library Reserve—Required Reading/Watching
Lu, David, Japan: A Documentary History
LaFleur, Robert, Great Mythologies of the World: East Asia and the Pacific
Course Description
This course will examine Japanese history and culture in the context of the wider East Asian world. We will begin with early Japanese history and the influence of both Korea and China on early Japanese institutions. In an even broader perspective, we will consider Japan (and East Asia's) role in a complex Pacific world, and how that region has shaped the world at large—from cultural and military forces to environmental issues, trade, and development.
We will then examine the development of Japan’s indigenous traditions during the Heian (794-1185), Kamakura (1185-1333), and Ashikaga (1336-1568) periods. The second half of the course will deal with modern Japanese history and culture, paying equal attention to historical and ethnographic materials, and taking a careful look at the development of the Kanto and Kansai regions in modern Japanese history and culture. Throughout the course we will use examples from the Japanese language—spoken phrases, the two major syllabaries (hiragana and katakana), and kanji, or Chinese characters—to analyze Japanese history and culture in a linguistic context.
We will then examine the development of Japan’s indigenous traditions during the Heian (794-1185), Kamakura (1185-1333), and Ashikaga (1336-1568) periods. The second half of the course will deal with modern Japanese history and culture, paying equal attention to historical and ethnographic materials, and taking a careful look at the development of the Kanto and Kansai regions in modern Japanese history and culture. Throughout the course we will use examples from the Japanese language—spoken phrases, the two major syllabaries (hiragana and katakana), and kanji, or Chinese characters—to analyze Japanese history and culture in a linguistic context.
Evaluation
Quizzes 10% Every Class Session
Pacific Essay 5% Week One
Pacific Essay 5% Week One
Source Letter 15% Week Five
Exam I 10% Week Seven
Rice as Culture Essay 20% Week Nine
Rice as Culture Essay 20% Week Nine
Source Paper 30% Week Fifteen
Exam II 10% Week Sixteen
If you have a disability and need accommodations, contact Learning Enrichment and Disability Services (LEADS) located on 2nd floor Pearsons (north side), 608-363-2572, learning@beloit.edu or make an appointment through joydeleon.youcanbook.me. For accommodations in my class, you are to bring me an Access Letter from the Director of LEADS and then we will discuss how to implement the accommodations. Contact that office promptly; accommodations are not retroactive.
Free peer tutoring is available for most classes. For a tutor, apply by going to your Portal, to the Student Life tab, and then apply using the Tutoring Forms (on left) and Request a Tutor. If you have any questions, contact LEADS.
Free peer tutoring is available for most classes. For a tutor, apply by going to your Portal, to the Student Life tab, and then apply using the Tutoring Forms (on left) and Request a Tutor. If you have any questions, contact LEADS.
History 212
Japan, East Asia, and the Pacific World
Autumn 2023
Week I
(August 29-31)
(August 29-31)
Tuesday, August 29
Winchester, The Pacific (read entire book before class)
Prologue: The Lonely Sea and the Sky
Author's Note: On Carbon
The Great Thermonuclear Sea
Mr. Ibuka's Radio Revolution
The Ecstasies of Wave Riding
A Dire and Dangerous Irritation
Farewell, All My Friends and Foes
Echoes of a Distant Thunder
Author's Note: On Carbon
The Great Thermonuclear Sea
Mr. Ibuka's Radio Revolution
The Ecstasies of Wave Riding
A Dire and Dangerous Irritation
Farewell, All My Friends and Foes
Echoes of a Distant Thunder
How Goes the Lucky Country?
The Fires in the Deep
A Fragile and Uncertain Sea
Of Masters and Commanders
Epilogue: The Call of the Running Tide
The Fires in the Deep
A Fragile and Uncertain Sea
Of Masters and Commanders
Epilogue: The Call of the Running Tide
Thursday, August 31
Stalker, Japan: History and Culture, 1-27
Early Japan
Winchester, The Pacific (continue book discussion from Monday) *** ***
1,000-word "miniature" review essay examining one question:
"What is the 'Pacific?"
This should be written as a brief, but well-structured
academic essay, and not an informal work.
Due by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 3
"What is the 'Pacific?"
This should be written as a brief, but well-structured
academic essay, and not an informal work.
Due by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 3
Click Here to Review the Late Assignment Policy
Week II
(September 5-7)
Tuesday, September 5
Round and Square Click for separate Round and Square Syllabus Important!
New York Review of Books (nothing until next week).
***. ***
The following links, .pdf files, and instructions were sent on Saturday 1/29
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 37 (check your email for the link) 37: Culture and Cosmos in Chinese History
Totman, Japan: An Environmental History, 1-45
Introduction
Japan the Place
Forager Society to ca. 500 BCE
Mills, The Sociological Imagination
Appendix
Appendix
Collingwood, Autobiography
History as the Self-Knowledge of the Mind
Cohen, History in Three Keys
History as the Self-Knowledge of the Mind
Cohen, History in Three Keys
Preface
Prologue
Nagel, What is it like to be a bat?
LaFleur, "Historiography, Temporality, and Decision-Making Across Global Pasts"
Thursday, September 7
Great Mythologies of the World: Lectures 42-43 (check your email for the link)
42: Japanese Tales of Purity and Defilement
43: Gods, Rice, and the Japanese State
Stalker, Japan: History and Culture, 28-49
Forging a Centralized StateMcCullough, Classical Japanese Prose: 27-37
Tales of the Bamboo Cutter
Lu, Japan: A Documentary History: 3-79
Amaterasu and Susano-o
The Seventeen Article Constitution, 604 AD
Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and Izumo
The Eastern Expedition of Emperor Jimmu
From the History of Wei
Conquest of the Eastern Frontier…
From the Engishiki The Seventeen Article Constitution, 604 AD
The Reform Edict of Taika, 646 AD
The Administrative System, 718 AD
The Law of the Households
Preface to Kojiki, 712 AD
From the Manyoshu
Temmu’s Propagation of Buddhism, 676-685 AD
Sutra of the Golden Light…
Erection of Provincial Temples
A Parable of the Burning House
Directions to the Teachings of Three Doctrines…
Ennin's Diary of His Pilgrimage to China
Statement of Opinion on Twelve Matters, 914
Regulations Concerning Trade with Pohai, 828
Diary of Lady Murasaki, 1008-1010
Observations on the Heian Capital, 982
Daily Observance, Last Testament…
How a Priest Put the Magic Incantation
About Aotsune (Sir Evergreen)
How a Sparrow Repaid Its Debt of Gratitude
Just do a quick read to get the main points; we'll discuss details in class.
Week III
(September 12-14)
Tuesday, September 12
Round and Square Click for separate Round and Square Syllabus
Thursday, September 14Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture Lecture 38
38: Chinese Heroes, Kings, and Destroyers
McCullough, Classical Japanese Prose: 38-155
Stalker, Japan: History and Culture, 50-78
The Rule of TasteLu, Japan: A Documentary History: 81-116
Allotment Land (Kubunden)…
Allotment Land (Kubunden)…
Plan to Cultivate One Million Cho…
Land Held for Three Generations…
Private Ownership of Reclaimed Land, 743
Proscription of Private Ownership of Land, 765
Privilege of Tax Immunity (Fuyu), 951 and 953
Immunity from Entry by Public Officials…
Establishment of a Shoen, 845, 920, and 1042
Commendation of a Shoen
Commendation of a Shoen
Edict to Curtail Spread of Shoen, 902
Provincial Governors Not Permitted to Interfere…
Lands Occupied by Private Parties …
Emergence of Tato, 859 and 1091
Management of Shoen by Tato
Establishment of Myoden, 1000
The Kondei System
Proscription Against Heian Nobility…
Master of His Retainers, 1114
Establishment of Relationship…
Rewarding the Vassals, 1180
Proclamation of Yorimoto's Rule over Kanto…
Establishment of the Samurai-dokoro, 1180
Building for Kumon-jo, 1184
Establishment of Monchu-jo, 1184
Appointment of Protectors and Stewards…
Goseibai Shikimoku--Formulary…
Thursday, September 14
38: Chinese Heroes, Kings, and Destroyers
McCullough, Classical Japanese Prose: 38-155
Tales of Ise
A Tosa Journal
The Gossamer Journal A Tosa Journal
Week IV
(September 19-21)
Tuesday, September 19
Stalker, Japan: History and Culture, 79-111
The Rise and Rule of the Warrior Class Lu, Japan: A Documentary History: 117-179
Ojo Yoshu, or the Essentials of Salvation
The Ancients Not Necessarily Our Superiors
Nembutsu and the Founding of a New Sect
The Short Letter (Isshi Koshosoku)
A Catechism
On the Salvation of Women
Doubts Expressed by a Believer of Nembutsu..
From the Tannisho
Conversation with the Master
Nichiren's Letter to Lord Nanjo
Efficacy of Simple-Hearted Faith
The Lotus of Perfect Truth
Buddhism with Japan as Its Center
Jito Ukedokoro, 1308
On Matters Relating to the Annual Rent..
Shitaji Chubun, 1318
The Tokusei Edict of Einin, 1297
Scribbling on the Dry River Bed of Nijo
Kemmu Shikimoku, 1336
Appointment of Shugo, 1336
On Matters Relating to Shugo…
Increase in the Powers of the Shugo
Adoption of the Law of Sharing Rent, 1352
Shugo-uke (Contract for Shugo), 1402
Contrast Between the Prosperity of Samurai…
Matters Relating to the Sale of Title Deeds to Fields
Sale of Hyakusho Shiki on Certain Fields, 1480
A Covenant for the So (Village Governing Assoc.)…
Joint Petition by Farmers, 1407
Substitution of Money to Pay Taxes, 1353
Determination of Equivalent Money Value for Rice
Money Draft, 1468
Land Owners and Pawnshops
Peasant Uprisings
Fighting for Tokusei, 1441
Rise of Chi (Market) c. 1415
Disputes Between Two Za, 1405
Soryo System of Divided Patrimony
A Deed of Transfer…, 1330
Voluntary Renunciation of Inheritance, c. 1279
Challenging Traditional Authority
Seizure of Shoen
The Seventeen-Article Injunction…
Hojo Soun’s Twenty-One Article Injunction…
39: Peasant Folktales and Chinese Scholarship
McCullough, Classical Japanese Prose: 156-250
Sei Shonagon's Pillow Book
A Tale of Flowering Fortunes
***. ***
(For Students with No Background in Japanese)
Tuttle, Hiragana and Katakana, 7-25 (.pdf file) (just skim through the introductory material)
Introductory Material
a-ko
(For Students in First or Second-Year Japanese)
Jorden, Reading Japanese, Lesson 1 (pages 1-9)
Most of you will find this material quite easy, but just be patient. The most important parts are the lists of words, and getting good at immediate recognition (I will explain this in more detail next week).
(For Students with Three or More Years of Japanese)
Jorden, Reading Japanese, Lessons 1-8
For those of you in third year or beyond, go quickly, looking through all eight lessons on katakana until you "hit the wall" and feel that you could use some review (then we can discuss strategies going forward). The goal is immediate recognition (not "decoding"). Just see how it goes this week, and get a sense of how comfortable you are with the katakana in the book.
Week V
(September 26-28)
Tuesday, September 26
Stalker, Japan: History and Culture, 112-143
Disintegration and Reunification Lu, Japan: A Documentary History: 180-228
Takeda Shingen’s Control of Kai, 1547
Takeda Shingen’s Control of Kai, 1547
The Hundred Article Code of Chosokabe, 1597
Compulsory Military Service Decreed by..
Nobunga’s Destruction of Hieizan, 1571
Removal of Barriers, 1568
Free Market and Abolition of Za, 1577
Collection of Swords, 1588
Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Vermilion Seal Letter…
Nagamasa on Cadastral Survey, 1590
Nagamasa on Cadastral Survey, 1590
Cadastral Survey, 1598
Census-Taking, 1591
Edict on Change of Status, 1591
Control of Daimyo, 1595
Control of Mt. Koya, 1585
Limitation on the Propagation of Christianity…
Expulsion of the Missionaries, 1587
St. Francis Xavier’s View of Japanese, c. 1550
Cosme de Torres on Japanese Receptivity, c. 1550
Alessandro Valignano on Japanese Prudence…
Alessandro Valignano on Patience and…
Alessandro Valignano on Sensual Vices…
Joao Rodrigues on Japanese Craftiness, c. 1610
Oath of Fealty
Laws of Military Households, 1615
Amendments of Kanei to Buke Shohatto, 1635
The Group of Five, 1632
Farmers and Annual Tax, 1603
Sale of Land in Perpetuity Forbidden, 1643
Proscription of Parcelization of Land, 1672
Injunctions for Peasants, c. 1619
Regulations for Villagers, 1643
Regulations for the Residents of Edo, 1655
Regulations Regarding Lawsuits, 1633
Regulations for Temples in Different Domains
The Edict of 1635 Ordering the Closing of Japan
Completion of the Exclusion, 1639
The Fate of the Embassy from Macau…
Renouncing the Kirishitan, 1645
Of the Dutch Trade in Japan, 1692 Thursday, September 28
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 40
40: Spirits and Syncretism in Korean Myth
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 40
40: Spirits and Syncretism in Korean Myth
McCullough, Classical Japanese Prose: 288-376
Confessions of Lady Nijo
Confessions of Lady Nijo
Journal of the Sixteenth-Night Moon
Again, most of you will find this material quite easy, but remain patient.
***. ***
(For Students with No Background in Japanese)
Tuttle, Hiragana and Katakana, 26-32 (.pdf file)
sa-to
(For Students in First or Second-Year Japanese)
Jorden, Reading Japanese, Lesson 2 (pages 10-22)
Again, most of you will find this material quite easy, but remain patient. Focus on reading even these "review materials" effortlessly, without any "decoding." Jorden is stressing an approach to reading that is very valuable for historians (and anthropologists...and everyone).
(For Students with Three or More Years of Japanese)
Jorden, Reading Japanese, Lesson 9 (pages 90-112)
For those of you in third-year Japanese and beyond, focus on reading effortlessly, without any "decoding" in even these (admittedly basic) kanji and kana. Jorden is stressing an approach to reading that is very valuable for historians (and anthropologists...and everyone).
Week VI
(October 3-5)
Tuesday, October 3
Round and Square Click for separate Round and Square Syllabus
Rupp, Gift-Giving in Japan (Get Started!)
Examples of Giving
Strength of Relationship, Gratitude, and Hierarchy
Thursday, October 5
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 41
41: Korea's Warring Kingdoms and Flying Dragons
41: Korea's Warring Kingdoms and Flying Dragons
Rupp, Gift-Giving in Japan (Finish the Book!)
Life Cycles
Seasonal Cycles
Variations in Attitudes toward and Practices of Giving
Conclusion
***. ***
Tuttle, Hiragana and Katakana, 40-45 (.pdf file)
ma-ro
(For Students in First or Second-Year Japanese)
Jorden, Reading Japanese, Lesson 4 (pages 36-47)
Again, most of you will find this material quite easy, but remain patient. Focus on reading even these "review materials" effortlessly, without any "decoding." Jorden is stressing an approach to reading that is very valuable for historians (and anthropologists...and everyone).
(For Students with Three or More Years of Japanese)
Jorden, Reading Japanese, Lesson 11 (pages 131-154)
For those of you in third-year Japanese and beyond, focus on reading effortlessly, without any "decoding" in even these (admittedly basic) kanji and kana. Jorden is stressing an approach to reading that is very valuable for historians (and anthropologists...and everyone).
Week VII
(October 10-12)
Tuesday, October 10
Benedict, Chrysanthemum and the Sword (just get a sense of the book; we'll discuss)
Assignment: Japan
The Japanese in the War
*Taking One's Proper Station
The Meiji Reform
*Debtor to the Ages and the World
*Repaying One-Ten-Thousandth
*The Repayment "Hardest to Bear"
*Clearing One's Name
*The Circle of Human Feelings
The Japanese in the War
*Taking One's Proper Station
The Meiji Reform
*Debtor to the Ages and the World
*Repaying One-Ten-Thousandth
*The Repayment "Hardest to Bear"
*Clearing One's Name
*The Circle of Human Feelings
*The Dilemma of Virtue
*Self-Discipline
*The Child Learns
The Japanese Since V-J Day
*Self-Discipline
*The Child Learns
The Japanese Since V-J Day
Exam Preparation (in-class)
Thursday, October 12
Exam I (in-class)
Week VIII
Spring Break
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| [e] Longshot RF |
Week IX
(October 24-26)
Tuesday, October 24
NO CLASS MEETING (Check your email), but prepare for Thursday's meeting
Round and Square Click for separate Round and Square Syllabus
Who's Who of Japan (.pdf file that I sent you; check your email)
Thursday, October 26
Who's Who of Japan (finish and be ready for class discussion)
Week X
(October 31-November 2)
Tuesday, October 31
Round and Square Click for separate Round and Square Syllabus
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 42-43
Recommended: unless you have very good notes, watch them again—you can use the detail
in your "Rice as Self" paper
42: Japanese Tales of Purity and Defilement
42: Japanese Tales of Purity and Defilement
43: Gods, Rice, and the Japanese State
Kurosawa, Seven Samurai 七人の侍) (Film in Class) VERY IMPORTANT
Ohnuki-Tierney, Rice as Self
Kurosawa, The Seven Samurai (七人の侍). (Film in Class) VERY IMPORTANT
Food as a Metaphor of Self: An Exercise in Historical Anthropology
Rice and Rice Agriculture Today
Rice as a Staple Food?
Rice in Cosmogony and Cosmology
Rice as Self, Rice Paddies as Our Land
Rice in the Discourse of Selves and Others
Foods as Selves and Others in Cross-cultural Perspective
Symbolic Practice through Time: Self, Ethnicity, and NationalismKurosawa, The Seven Samurai (七人の侍). (Film in Class) VERY IMPORTANT
Part One
Be in class by 10:00 so you can see the beginning of the film (very important)!
Be in class by 10:00 so you can see the beginning of the film (very important)!
(No quiz today).
Thursday, November 2
Ohnuki-Tierney, Rice as Self (finish the book)
Food as a Metaphor of Self: An Exercise in Historical Anthropology
Rice and Rice Agriculture Today
Rice as a Staple Food?
Rice in Cosmogony and Cosmology
Rice as Self, Rice Paddies as Our Land
Rice in the Discourse of Selves and Others
Foods as Selves and Others in Cross-cultural Perspective
Symbolic Practice through Time: Self, Ethnicity, and NationalismWeek XI
(November 7-9)
Tuesday, November 7
Beloit and Beyond Conference (all day; no class)
Get started with Japan in Print, which we'll discuss on Thursday
Thursday, November 9
Round and Square Click for separate Round and Square Syllabus
Berry, Japan in Print (whole book; test your skills)
Great Mythologies of the World: Lectures 44-45
44: Nature Gods and Tricksters of Polynesia
45: Creation and Misbehavior in Micronesia
For students with no background in Japanese:
Read the following posts from RSQ to learn a bit about how Japanese renders "foreign" sounds into Japanese.Write a few sentences about katakana in Japanese life.
For students with any level of background in Japanese
Spend twenty minutes looking through the .pdf file I sent you from an approximately fourth-grade reader in Japanese history. Be an anthropologist of the text. What do you see? What stands out. What raises questions (even basic ones)? Write a few sentences about this.
*** ***
Week XII
(November 14-16
Dower, Embracing Defeat (get started; if you can, keep going with the readings listed for Wednesday)
Part I: Victor and Vanquished
Shattered Lives
Gifts from Heaven
Lu, Japan: A Documentary History, 459-524
Read section headers and source titles (this should take twenty minutes)
Read section headers and source titles (this should take twenty minutes)
Japan Under Occupation
Thursday, November 16
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 46
46: Melanesian Myths of Life and Cannibalism
Dower, Embracing Defeat
Part II: Transcending Despair
Kyodatsu: Exhaustion and Despair
Cultures of Defeat
Bridges of Language
***. ***
Week XIII
(November 21-23)
Tuesday, November 21
Round and Square Click for separate Round and Square Syllabus
Instead of class, do the rewriting exercise (follow all of the directions)!
Have a great Thanksgiving holiday.
Thursday, November 23
Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!
Week XIV
(November 28-30)
Tuesday, November 28
No Class Today; work on the assignments (and quiz). Look for an email message (Monday evening) with the quizzes and Zoom link for Thursday.
Stalker, Japan: History and Culture, 362-400
"Cool" Japan as Cultural Superpower (1980s-2010s) Introduction
Miyamoto-cho, a Portrait
The Development of a Neighborhood
Local Politics and Administration
Community Services and Neighborhood Events
Formal Hierarchies of Participation and Power
Friends and Neighbors
The Festival and the Local Social Order
Conclusion Lu, Japan: A Documentary History, 563-618
Read section headers and source titles (this should take twenty minutes)
Bridging the Past and Present
Read section headers and source titles (this should take twenty minutes)
Bridging the Past and Present
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 47
47: Origins in Indonesia and the Philippines
Thursday, November 30
Zoom meeting; check your email for the link. We'll start at 10:20 (after you do the quiz).
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 47
47: Origins in Indonesia and the Philippines
Bestor, Neighborhood Tokyo (finish and be ready to discuss, with at least a passage to bring up for class discussion)
Think back over how you have read various sources this term (I am speaking of English here). Have you learned to "read like a historian" (various paces, with some things moving very fast, and others—especially sources you will be using for your papers—slowly and carefully. Write a few thoughts about what went well and what did not.
***. ***
Week XV
(December 5-7)
Tuesday, December 5\
Great Mythologies of the World: Lecture 48
48: Aboriginal and Colonial Myths of Australia
Bestor, Tsukiji (Do your best with the book, and reflect upon all of our ethnographic works)
Tokyo’s Pantry
Grooved Channels
From Landfill to Marketplace
The Raw and the Cooked
Visible Hands
Family/Firm
Trading Places
Full Circle
Thursday, December 7
Exam II
***. ***
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| [e] Centered RF |
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