2024 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Literature B
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Kenichiro Isozaki
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 1-2 Mon / 1-2 Thu
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.H204
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 17, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In this lecture, we will learn "what is a novel" through "reading" individual works from classics to modern novels and contemporary Japanese novels.
The "novel" is an art form created using words.
The purpose of using language (speaking, listening, writing, and reading) is not only to convey meaning and logic (ideas). It includes many elements, such as the presentation of unstated contexts and emotions, the expression of attitudes toward the world, rhythm, breathing, physical sensations, and empathy for or rejection of others.
In this lecture, we will examine what novels (writers) "do" by using words, not through objective analysis such as literary historical positioning and mapping, but through "reading" individual works while taking history into account.
They learn that novels are a much broader form of expression than most people have preconceived notions about, and that "reading" is an active act that involves the entire body.
Course description and aims
By taking this course, students will acquire the following skills.
(1) Students will be able to explain how the expression of the novel has developed from the modern era to the present, citing the names of authors and the contents of their works.
(2) Learn about the state of the modern novel, and be able to appreciate and understand novels more deeply.
(3) By deeply savoring and understanding novels, students will develop an affinity and respect for the art of fiction.
Keywords
Literature, Literary History, Contemporary Fiction, Creative Writing
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The lecture will be based on a show-window style introduction of individual works. In classes where students will be doing read carefully of short stories, copies of the works will be distributed.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Class guidance, etc. | How to conduct the class , History of novels |
| Class 2 | Read classics | Think about the Bible, Homer, classics |
| Class 3 | Read Hawthorne | Read "Wakefield" written by Howthorne |
| Class 4 | Read Flaubert | Read Flaubert |
| Class 5 | Read novels of the 20th century | Read James Joyce, Marcel Proust, Virginia Woolf |
| Class 6 | Read novels of the 20th century | Read Robert Musil |
| Class 7 | Read Anton Chekhov | Short stories written by Chekhov |
| Class 8 | Read Kafka | Novels written by Franz Kafka |
| Class 9 | Read Kafka | Novels written by Franz Kafka |
| Class 10 | Read Kafka | Novels written by Franz Kafka |
| Class 11 | Read Kafka | Novels written by Franz Kafka |
| Class 12 | Read Latin America novels | Jorge Luis Borges、García Márquez |
| Class 13 | Reading Japanese Modern and Contemporary Fiction | Morio Kita, Nobuo Kojima |
| Class 14 | Reading Japanese Modern and Contemporary Fiction | Kazushi Hosaka |
Study advice (preparation and review)
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.
Textbook(s)
No textbook is specified. Copies of works for close reading will be distributed in class.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
None in particular.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Comments in class, submitted work, etc. (20%) Term-end report(80％)
Related courses
- LAH.H104 ： Literature A
- LAH.H304 ： Literature C
- LAH.S405 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences5:Literature
Prerequisites
None in particular.
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
isozaki.k.ac[at]m.titech.ac.jp
Office hours
Contact before and after classes for an appointment.