2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Department of Social and Human Sciences Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
Special Lecture on Advanced Topics in Social and Human Sciences FB 1
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
- Instructor(s)
- Kenji Hatanaka
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- 1
- Course Code
- SHS.L420
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
We discuss and scrutinize the important topics on the intellectual history in Japan with reading classical texts. This course introduces the works of Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1725) and Motoori Norinaga (1730-1801), and focuses on "folly" in them. Why did Chikamatsu write a lot of tragedies of folly lovers? Why did Motoori affirm the "folly" of human beings? Through examination and interpretation of discourses in the 18th century Japan, students will be able to understand the comprehensive idea of folly and its historical contexts.
Course description and aims
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Understand the characteristics and backgrounds of the historical ideas of folly in the 18th century Japan.
2) Obtain basic knowledge of interpretation methods and discourse analysis used in researches on the intellectual history.
Keywords
Japan, intellectual history
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Lectures with slides and video. Group discussion.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction to the "folly". |
|
| Class 2 | Lecture 1: Society and Moral in the 18th Century Japan |
Takeda et al., Kanadehon Chushingura, 1848. |
| Class 3 | Lecture 2: Invitation to Bunraku and Kabuki - From the tale of Yaoya-Oshichi |
Ihara, Koshoku Gonin Onna, 1686. |
| Class 4 | Reading 1: Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1725) - Why the lovers |
Chikamatsu, Meido no Hikyaku, 1711. |
| Class 5 | Discussion 1 |
Discussion about Chikamatsu and the folly in his plays |
| Class 6 | Reading 2: Motoori Norinaga (1730-1801) - Why does the intelligence have to be criticized? |
Motoori, Shibun Yoryo, 1763. |
| Class 7 | Discussion 2 |
Discussion about Motoori and the idea of folly in his works |
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)
Materials will be provided during class.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Related books and articles will be referred to as necessary.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class participation: 30%
presentation and paper: 70%
Related courses
- SHS.L417 ： Special Lecture on Advanced Topics in Social and Human Sciences SA
- SHS.L418 ： Special Lecture on Advanced Topics in Social and Human Sciences SB
- SHS.L419 ： Special Lecture on Advanced Topics in Social and Human Sciences FA
Prerequisites
Nothing required
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
hatter[at]ila.isct.ac.jp
Office hours
As needed.
Other
This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs of the class.