Early Japan to 1616
Fall 2011
Prof. Dodgen
This course explores the origins of Japanese culture and
society from the Paleolithic up to c. 1700. It will pursue such
topics as the origins of the Japanese people, the nature of prehistoric Japanese society and technology, the rise of clan
federations and early imperial rule, the origins and
development of military culture, and the political and religious
institutions of Early Japan. We will take a close look at the
aesthetic culture of Heian Japan and at the role of women in
Japan’s cultural and literary traditions, and then trace the rise
of the warrior society that came to dominate Japan after the
twelfth century. The influence of China and Korea on Japan and
the role of Buddhism in shaping Japanese thought will also be
examined.
Books:
Three books are required for the course:
Japan to 1600, by William Wayne Farris
The Confessions of Lady Nijo, trans. Karen Bazell
The World of the Shining Prince, by Ivan Morris
All of these are available in the bookstore or can be
purchased from online bookstores. World of the Shining
Prince and Lady Nijo can often be found used.
Grading:
Grades will be based on two in-class exams
consisting of essay questions and short-answer items and
two typed, 5-7 page papers on The World of the Shining
Prince and The Confessions of Lady Nijo. These papers
will be written in response to questions provided by the
instructor and will require page citations for supporting
material. In-class essay questions will focus on the
readings and lectures. Short-answer items will be drawn
from the list of identification items provided.
Each test and paper will count for one-fourth of the final
grade. Plagiarism will result in a grade of “F” and possible
disciplinary action. If you are unsure about how to cite
your take-home essays, visit me during office hours to
discuss any questions you have.
Some of the documents assigned on this syllabus as
well as other valuable research materials can be found at
the Internet Asian History Source Book web site at:
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/eastasia/eastasiasbook.
html
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you are a student with a disability and think you
may need accommodation in this course, you must
contact the Disabled Students Services located in
Stevenson 1038 (664-2677).
My office hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 10:45-12:15.
My office is 2066 Stevenson, extension 42462. You can
also contact me by e-mail at dodgen@sonoma.edu
Plagiarism and cheating: Cases of plagiarism or cheating will
not only result in a failing grade, but will be referred to
university disciplinary authorities and can result in expulsion
from the university.
Terms for the midterm and final exam can be found at:
http://www.sonoma.edu/users/d/dodgen/terms/338test1.doc
and
http://www.sonoma.edu/users/d/dodgen/terms/338test2.doc
Date
Syllabus
Topics and Assignments
8/25
Introduction and discussion.
8/30-1
Japan.
Issues of origins and identity: prehistoric
Maps of Japan and a discussion of the county’s
geography are available at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Jap
an
Readings: Japan to 1600, introduction and
chapter 1.
9/6-8
Legends and Gods: Kami worship and
creation myths.
Readings:
http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/IzLe/Japanese-Mythology.html
Visit the Yayoi village at Yoshinogari at:
http://www.yoshinogari.jp/en/contents2/categoryId
_3.html
9/13-15
Strength at the center: from Himiko’s realm
to Imperial Yamato.
 
Readings: The World of the Shining Prince,
Introduction and chapter; Japan to 1600, chapter 2.
“Chinese logographic writing” at:
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/core9/phalsall/texts/chinl
ng4.html
“Japanese Writing” at:
http://www.ancientscripts.com/japanese.html
Material on the archeology of Kofun and Nara
period Japan can be found at:
http://www.hgeo.h.kyoto-u.ac.jp/soramitsu/
9/20-22
Capital steps: from Nara to Heian.
Readings: “The Taika Reform Edicts” at:
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCJAPAN/TA
IKA.HTM
The World of the Shining Prince chapter 2;
Japan to 1600, chapter 3.
9/27-29
Everything you wanted to know about sects:
Buddhism flourishes.
Readings: The World of the Shining Prince:
chapters 3 and 4.
10/4-6
glitterati.
Rule by aesthetics: the world of the imperial
Readings: The World of the Shining Prince,
chapters 5 and 6.
10/11-13
Early warriors and military technology.
Readings: Japan to 1600, chapter 4.
10/18-20
Film: “Sansho the Baliff.”
10/25-27
Failures and success in the North.
Readings: Complete The World of the Shining
Prince, discussion Thursday.
11/1-3
Tuesday: review for midterm;
Thursday, midterm exam.
11/8-10
The Heike saga: the fall of the Taira and the
rise of the Minamoto.
Readings: Lady Nijo to page 120; Japan to
1600, chapter 5.
Assignment on Shining Prince due Thursday.
11/15-17
government.
11/22
The Kamakura bakufu: the first warrior
Readings: Lady Nijo, pages 121 to 226.
Kamikaze: Pyrrhic victory over the Mongols.
Readings: Lady Nijo, complete, discussion;
Japan to 1600, chapter 6.
11/24
No class, Thanksgiving break.
11/29-12/1
A brilliant failure: Ashikaga Yoshimasa.
The Onin War: the low oppress the high.
12/6-8
Tokugawa.
The struggle for unity: Nobunaga, Hideyoshi,
Readings: Japan to 1600, chapter 7.
Assignment on Lady Nijo due Tuesday
Constructing the Confucian bushi.
Readings: Japan to 1600, epilogue; “The last
statement of Torii Mototada” at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii_Mototada
Thursday, review for exam.
12/?
Final Exam
*This syllabus is subject to modification at any time. Students
are responsible for all material presented in class, including
changes to the due dates of assignments or the timing or
content of exams.