EALC 245. The Book in East Asia: From the Beginning to World War II (WELLESLEY COLLEGE)

Kristin Williams
Manuscripts, books, and print technologies circulated through China, Korea, and Japan from ancient times to World War II through trade and tribute, imperial enterprises and religious movements. The course will combine book studies with readings of literary selections (poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction) that highlight the blurred boundaries of national literatures in East Asia. We will make a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to see rare books and illustrated scrolls. No knowledge of East Asian languages is required, and all readings will be in English.