Life and Death: Buddhism in Modern Japanese films

JPN4604.01
Course System Home Terms Spring 2024 Life and Death: Buddhism in Modern Japanese films

Course Description

Summary

In this sixth term Japanese course, students will examine how Buddhism influenced Japanese thought on the after-life and analyze how Japanese views on the relationship between life and death are depicted in Japanese films. In the first seven weeks of the course, students will examine and discuss the history, beliefs, and deities of Buddhism and their influences on society. In the second half of the term, students will analyze how death and a common theme, reincarnation, are depicted in different genres of Japanese films such as love stories and fantasy. Throughout the course, students will develop both their linguistic skills and cognitive skills by discussing their understanding of Buddhist beliefs and analyzing Japanese perspectives on death and reincarnation. Individual projects are required. Conducted in Japanese. Intermediate Level.

Prerequisites

Six terms of Japanese or permission of the instructor (contact IYoshida@bennington.edu).

Please contact the faculty member : iyoshida@bennington.edu

Corequisites

CSL Series

Instructor

  • Ikuko Yoshida

Day and Time

Academic Term

Spring 2024

Credits

4

Course Level

4000

Maximum Enrollment

8