Students in this course will closely read contents of Encounter, a literary magazine for US cultural Cold War, understand their historical backgrounds, and discuss the possible significance of the literary texts.
The purpose of this course is not only to acquire cultural knowledge on them, but also improve skills to account for what the texts are all about.
At the end of this course students will be able to:
-acquire skills to analyze the U.S. literature
-learn the historical background of the literary texts
-explain in their own words what is significant about the texts
American literature and culture, close reading, discussion
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The instructor will require students to (1) closely read the short stories or essays, (2) briefly investigate their historical backgrounds, (3) discuss some social issues related to the literary texts, and (4) present their own opinions in writing.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Course introduction: US cultural Cold War and Japan | To be able to account for Japan's relationship with US cultural Cold War |
Class 2 | Melvin J. Lasky "A Sentimental Traveller in Japan (I)" | Close reading, summarizing, and criticizing |
Class 3 | Arthur Koestler "A Guide to Political Neuroses" | Close reading, summarizing, and criticizing |
Class 4 | W. B. Yeats "Fourteen Letters" | Close reading, summarizing, and criticizing |
Class 5 | Bertrand Russell "Technics and Totalitarianism" | Close reading, summarizing, and criticizing |
Class 6 | Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. "Many Things v. One Big Thing" | Close reading, summarizing, and criticizing |
Class 7 | Review and final presentation | To be able to criticize US cultural Cold War and its ideology |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Handouts will be provided in class.
Announced in class if necessary
Activities in class: 20% Assignments: 30% Final exam: 50%
None
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with Seminar: Language and Culture(English) 13.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.