Students will learn to read and understand written texts (mythical literature such as Kojiki and Fudoki; waka poetry as epitomized in Manyoshu collection; narrative literature as represented by The Tale of Genji; and historical chronicles such as Shomonki and The Tale of Eiga) in their historical and cultural contexts. To do this students must acquire the skills needed for understanding and handling a wide range of written records and materials besides the literary works of their field of specialization. Therefore, students will learn to read and utilize historical materials and documents ranging from mokkan (unearthed wooden strips on which records were written) to documents on governmental codes such as ritsuryo legal texts, as well as on research methodology, allowing for new perspectives and interpretations of the literature of this period.
