Topics in Japanese Culture and Society
Religion and Culture · 3 hrs Seminar/Discussion
REL-3720 prerequisites
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REL-2721. Written Permission of the Instructor is required if one of the above prerequisite's is not met
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Description
This course explores the development of intellectual culture in Tokugawa Japan (1600-1858). We examine the slaughter of Japanese Christians and Confucianism's subsequent rise as a state ideology for the Shogunate. We study how an increasing number of scholars responded to Chinese learning by turning toward Neo-Confucianism, Japanese nativism, and Western learning, as alternatives to Classical Confucian education. Along with the diversity of thought, we explore how popular culture materialized in forms of print literature and theatrical entertainment. Finally, we focus on the culture of dissent that emerged as the Shogun's reign came to an end.
Requisite courses
Prerequisite: One of Rel-1002, Rel-2704, Rel-2705, Rel-2707, Rel-2708, Rel-2709, Rel-2718, or Rel-2721. Written Permission of the Instructor is required if one of the above prerequisite's is not met [prerequisite(s)].
Restrictions
Students may not hold credit for this course and EALC-3720 | EALC-4720 | REL-4720.
Cross-listed
From the 2026-27 undergraduate calendar. Always verify details on WebAdvisor or with an academic advisor before registering.