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Art & Archaeology

Japanese Literature And Drama In Art

Course Code:
15PARH030
Status:
Course Not Running This year
Unit value:
0.5
This seminar investigates the interaction and interrelationship of art, classical literature and traditional theatre in Japanese cultural history, focussing primarily on how classical works of prose, poetry and drama were illustrated, reinterpreted, and popularised by artists of pre-modern times. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we consider how artists sought inspiration in the literary tradition and at the same time had a major role in shaping readers' perception of certain canonical works. While primary attention will be given to representations in pictorial arts and calligraphy, discussions will frequently extend to sculpture, architecture, and the applied arts.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

Students will receive an advanced introduction to a wide cross-section of Japanese art and cultural history.

  • They should become familiar with approximately 200-300 images of painting and prints; a slide test at the end of the term will encourage students to review and reinforce their visual memory of key images.
  • The writing assignment gives them an opportunity to use library and online resources to do detailed research on a subject of their choosing.
  • They will receive guidance in class and in office hours on how to develop a thesis and strengthen the presentation of their arguments in written form.
  • Through lectures they will be introduced to critical theory and scholarly methods, and in essay assignment and classroom discussions be encouraged to try out newly acquired analytical skills.
  • Classroom discussions (non-assessed) on pre-announced topics will encourage students to gain confidence in expressing their thoughts on subjects they have learned about in reading assignments.
  • By the end of the course, students should be equipped with analytical tools and conceptual frameworks that will allow them to pursue their own research interests with greater confidence. The course, therefore, would be suitable preparation for a student deciding to continue on the MPhil/PhD track.

Scope and syllabus

Each week we shall discuss aesthetic issues related to visual representations of specific works of literature or performance. The course will incorporate viewing sessions at the British Museum as schedules permit. Topics (which may vary from year to year depending on exhibitions and events in the UK) include: 

  • Ancient Buddhist scriptures and painting; 
  • courtly Literature and the The Tale of Genji Scroll; 
  • religious picture scrolls; literary canon and Rinpa art; 
  • literati painting and calligraphy; 
  • Genroku popular literature and theatre; 
  • later Edo Ukiyo-e and book illustration; 
  • Kabuki prints; 
  • mitate (parody) of classical literature in Edo art.

Method of assessment

1 essay of 5,000 words = 75%/ slide test =25%

Required reading

  • Joan Stanley-Baker, Japanese Art, London, expanded and revised edition, 2000.
  • Christine Guth, Art of Edo Japan: The Artist and the City, London & NY, 1996.
  • Penelope Mason, History of Japanese Art, New York, 1993.
  • Ellizabeth Lillehoj, Critical Perspectives on Classicism in Japanese Painting, 1600-1700.
  • William R. LaFleur, The Karma of Words: Buddhism and the Literary Arts in Medieval Japan, Berkeley, 1986.
  • Makoto Ueda, Literary and Art Theories of Japan, Cleveland, 1967.