Japanese Literature

[clay dube]

Hi Folks,

A couple of years ago, we had Lynne make a formal presentation, "Genji in Graphic Detail", at UCLA. You can read about it at:

http://international.ucla.edu/asia/article.asp?parentid=10674

[Anonymous]

Hi Damonpro,
I liked what you posted about Japanese poetry and I especially like their haiku.
In the January 06 Ranger Rick available at Wildbirds Store in Torrance, on Crenshaw, there are several good animal poems which I want to use with my first graders.

I especially like the photos of insects and animals paired with the poems.
#3 The info reminds us that a haiku has 17 syllables and has 3 unrhymed lines - 5,7,5.

FLIGHT
Outer shells are raised.
See-through wings beat up and down-
Ladybug lift-off.

The three photos of the ladybug show close up photos of her red and silver wings in flight.
Very good visual motivation with the photo for young students to write their own haiku about lady bugs.
Bev

[Anonymous]

Professor Lynn Miyake's lecture on Japanese poetry made me think about possible ways of presenting poetry to my lst grade class. Using the popular Japanese theme of cherry blossoms, I would definitely show lots of pictures or photos and then do an art project using torn construction paper arranged on a black background.

Bev

[Anonymous]

I enjoed Professor Miyake's discussion on Japanese Literature. Prior to our class discussion, I found it interesting how the subjects of the literature relies heavily on historical movements, politics and social changes, particuarly in the 1900's. Knowing this was helpful in understanding and interpreting many of the poems as and literature provided by Professor Miyake.

[Anonymous]

Cindy,

After you mentioned the topic of "aging" found in the Japanese poems I noticed that many of the poems surround this subject, and as I read the poems it seems that the authors are fearful and skeptical of the threat of aging. I found these poems to be particuarly interesting...

Sogi: Autumn Love

For too many nights
the time has gone by in vain-
autumn deepening.

Sogi:

Up ahead, in my old age,
what will I rely on then?

[Anonymous]

In reading the following poem:

Socho:

For all men everywhere
the way lies straight ahead.

I couldn't help but notice the subject of "the way" and relate it to our discussion of daoism a few months ago...any relation?

[Anonymous]

Over the weekend I read The ARt of War by Sun-tzu, edited and translated by John Minford. My interest in this book was piqued when Professor Dube mentioned it in an early lecture and stated that business schools use this as required reading. The inro was especially helpful in introducing the topic and philosophy of war in ancient Chinese culture. It discussed Master Sun's philosophy as compared with Confucian and Daoist scholars as well as others witn the 100 Schools of Thought period.
The text itself was easy to read but thought provoking. Surprisingly enough it advocated peace over war, fair treatment of prisoners and civilians to be spared. Once engaged in war it promotes strong leadership, clear chain of command, good intelligence and well trained and equipped soldiers. It states that a fast war spares people and expense. It explained that like everything in life, many aspects of war has shi or potential energy. The wise general takes shi into effect when assessing terrain, distance, troop configuaration, etc.
There is also a commentary with the opinions of 6 theorists of Pre-Tang, 6 Tang, 5 Song, 1 Ming, and 2 Qing.
Excerpts from this book would be great for discussions in class as well as application level question in regards to the war in Iraq and running a business today. The leadership section was interesting too and could be used in class.

[Anonymous]

This is not Japanese literature but rather a book for teaching present day Japan info. The book is Nippon Nyumon-An idea book for teaching Japanese economic topics. It is available through NCSS Publications at (800) 683-0812. It is produced by the National Council for Soc Studies. It is geared for high school primarily but info can be adapted for any grade. It deals with current issues in Japan ie. role of women, children's leisure time, transportation, crime, changing roles, education, groceries, economy, pop density, culture, calligraphy, trade, etc. Lots of charts and graphs so it would be good for math too.

[Anonymous]

Well, these aren't all Japanese, but they're good books on the Asian-American experience that I'm using in my class as outside reading sources:

Donald Duk (Chin)
Woman Warrior (Hong-Kingston)
China Boy (Lee)
Native Speaker (Lee)
No-No Boy (Okada)
Clay Walls (Ronyoung)
The Sound of Waves (Mishima)
Farewell to Manzanar (Wakatsuki Houston)

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