# JAPNLIT 281 Medieval Japanese Literature and Culture Semester: Fall | Year offered: 2023 David Atherton 9/5/2023 to 12/5/2023 T, 12:45pm - 2:45pm **Description:** This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the literature of Japan’s medieval centuries (broadly conceived as the 12th through 16th centuries), together with an overview of critical approaches to its study. We will explore the relationship between literary production and politics, visual culture, scholasticism, geography and human movement, religion and ritual, and conceptions of class and gender, as well as the materiality and circulation of texts and, ultimately, the question of “medievality” itself. Our primary readings will be taken from high and low genres of poetry, drama, and prose (including narrative fiction, essays, miscellanies, and works of poetic and dramatic theory). Previous study of Japanese or East Asian literature is NOT required (though certainly welcome), and readings will be provided in English for those who do not read modern or classical Japanese. Curious students of other literary traditions are particularly welcome. More information: See also:- [ Harvard AY 2023-2024 ](/course-categories/harvard-ay-2023-2024) - [ Fall 2023 ](/course-categories/fall-2023)