JAPN 325 - The Great Wave: French & Japanese C

Credits: (3)
The title of this course is inspired by the woodblock print: “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai. This work and the artist’s art in general is considered emblematic of what became known in the West as Japonisme-the West’s adaptation of Japanese aesthetics and techniques in French art. The plastic arts, however, are just one the many facets of Japanese culture that entered France. Less familiar to the Western audience is the influence that Japan had on other aspects of French society and the many ways in which France has shaped Japanese society and culture. This course examines the deeper cultural exchange that has occurred between the Japanese and French since their initial contact just prior to the Meiji Restoration (the opening of Japan to the West) and the ways in which these two cultures have influenced each other’s civilization. The socio-cultural facets explored in this course will include: History, Art, Industry, Politics, War, & Literature. Students who have studied Japanese may opt to do some activities in the language. The medium of instruction is English.