S. Gay (East Asian Studies)
4 HU, CD, W-INT
Full Course -- 4 Credits
Fall Semester FYSP 141-01 MW 2:30-3:45
In this course we will read and discuss a contemporary manga (graphic novel) version of the great Japanese classic, The Tale of Genji. We will then explore the original tale. Next, using Oberlin’s museum collection and archives, we will study first-hand woodblock prints and other formats in which the tale has been enjoyed and interpreted over time. Finally, we will come back to the contemporary manga version again, to reinterpret and evaluate it in the light of its long popularity throughout Japanese cultural history. Writing assignments: For each of the three main segments of the course, students will be asked to write a four-to-five-page evaluative commentary. These will be shared with the class in preparation for each discussion. The final written assignment for the course will be a slightly longer (eight-page) piece that compares the manga version of the Tale of Genji with one of the earlier forms we have studied. For the final assignment, students will first meet with the instructor, compose an outline, write a first draft, and then, after getting instructor feedback on the draft, will write their final version.