31335 - Japanese Literature 3

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the students will have a deep and precise knowledge of the aspects, the problems and the trends in the history of Japanese literature. They will be able to evaluate the literary quality of the works they read, even in the original language, and to analyze texts according to precise critical methodologies, having acquired the theoretical tools necessary to recognize the formal, thematic and stylistic components of individual works, while linking them to precise historical and cultural contexts.

Course contents

The course investigates the ways in which Japanese literature has challenged and denounced the forms of oppression exercised by political and economic power on society from the beginning of the Meiji period to the present day, deepening from time to time the aspects of linguistic, sociological and narratological interest. Ample space will be given to prominent exponents of the Japanese literary scene of which there is a shortage of works in translation.

Readings/Bibliography

Reference literature history manuals:

L. Bienati, P. Scrolavezza, La narrativa giapponese moderna e contemporanea, Marsilio, Venezia 2009.

L. Bienati, B. Ruperti, Letterario, troppo letterario. Antologia della critica giapponese moderna, Marsilio, Venezia, 2016.

J. Mostow (ed.), The Columbia Companion to Modern East Asian Literature, Columbia University Press, New York, 2003

Repertoire of names and literary terminology:

仲 光雄（編）『原色シグマ新国語便覧 増補三訂版』文英堂、2015年

Naka Mitsuo (a cura di), Genshoku Sigma Shin-Kokugo Binran Zōho santeiban, Bun'eidō, Tokyo, 2015

Primary sources:

The primary sources consist of passages in the original language, taken from the following works (the list will be updated on the basis of the work done in class):

Futabatei Shimei, Ukigumo (1887-90)

Higuchi Ichiyō, Takekurabe (1896)

Kunikida Doppo, Shuchū nikki (1902)

Hiratsuka Raichō, Atarashii onna (1913)

Tokuda Shūsei, Arakure (1915)

Kuroshima Denji, Nisen dōka (1925)

Sata Ineko, Kyarameru kōjō kara (1928)

Ōta Yōko, Shikabane no machi (1948)

Noma Hiroshi, Shinkū chitai (1952)

Ōe Kenzaburō, Sebuntin (1961)

Inoue Mitsuharu, Chi no mure (1963)

Ishimure Michiko, Kugai jōdo - Waga Minamata-byō (1968)

Teaching methods

In addition to the theoretical lessons, part of the total number of hours will be dedicated to a guided reading and comprehension workshop of passages in the original language taken from some works presented in class. Regular attendance at the course is strongly recommended.

Assessment methods

Oral exam.

Teaching tools

Supplementary materials will be shared through the Virtuale teaching platform.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Comotti