Department of Japanese Studies, School of Modern Languages and Cultures HKU

This course develops students’ knowledge of pre-modern Japanese language by introducing them to the study of historical sources from the Tokugawa period. We will engage in close readings of texts written in classical Japanese (bungo), epistolary style (sorobun) and classical Chinese (kanbun). Depending on student interest, we may also cover the basics of cursive character forms (hantaigana, kuzushiji) so that students can learn to read early modern printed and manuscript sources that have not yet been transcribed into modern editions.

Interdisciplinary Elective Course
JAPN3037	Readings in early modern Japanese historical sources	6 credits

This course develops students’ knowledge of pre-modern Japanese language by introducing them to the study of historical sources from the Tokugawa period. We will engage in close readings of texts written in classical Japanese (bungo), epistolary style (sorobun) and classical Chinese (kanbun). Depending on student interest, we may also cover the basics of cursive character forms (hantaigana, kuzushiji) so that students can learn to read early modern printed and manuscript sources that have not yet been transcribed into modern editions.
Interested students should contact the instructor prior to enrolment to ensure they have appropriate background language training and ability.

Assessment: 100% coursework
(Offered in 2020/2021, 2nd semester)