Session 9 - Japanese Literature, 4/22 morning

[Anonymous]

*Reading Session 9
The pillowbook of Sei Shonagon was an interesting read that gives us more insight on the daily life and thoughts of the upper class people/women in Japan. Hearing a woman’s perspective about things is interesting especially because women’s role in history is generally overlooked.

[Anonymous]

I thought it was very interesting that courtship happened on fancy paper in Japan. I enjoyed the explanation of the topic as well. Although courtship does not happen on fancy paper much anymore, I think it is the same idea today in some cases. Fancy paper and having good looking people delivering that paper ultimately is a presentation of status, and socioeconomic status is used in courtship at times.

[Anonymous]

I thought it was interesting that insects would be used to showcase the pushback on social norms. It must be the sign of the times. I cant imagine insects being used to highlight such a heavy topic in modern times.

[Anonymous]

The more that I read these pieces of literature from the past, the more I realize that humans have not changed much. This book was extremely petty. I don't teach classes where I would be able to use this piece of literature, but if I did, I would have the students pick out the most hateful of the "hateful things" and have the students make memes about them. That would be a fun assignment!

[Anonymous]

As I looked through my notes to reflect on the class sessions, I remember looking at the photos Professor showed us on where the tea ceremonies would happen. It was also nice to learn that the participants of the tea ceremony had to crawl into the space as a way of humbling themselves. What a good way to start a reflective period. I think it would be a good idea to have several tea ceremonies a day!

[Anonymous]

Professor Miyake's time with us was very interesting. I enjoyed the poetry and realized how important poetry is as a medium all across the world and through history. I thought it was great that excerpts from the Pillow Book were incorporated again. I think my favorite story (as referenced in a previous post) was also "Little One Inch". It reminded me of a cartoon premise and I thought my students would really like that.

[Anonymous]

The lack of Japanese Literature in the World History curriculum for 7th grade is several lacking. The most students get is a the typical Haiku poem, students could gain from a deep exploration of Japanese literature and poetry. The themes and forms are very different from Western styles and could expand the classroom. I'll be thinking of ways I could allign this to my curriculum.

[Anonymous]

the interplay of how families took over was quite interesting and lays the groundwork for a great story. Bridging together multiple lessons of poetry and these stories are a great way to incorporate multiple parts of Japanese culture.

[Anonymous]

Chapter 4: Evening Faces

I really liked the excerpt from the Tale of Genji. I could use this excerpt to take a look at different social classes in Japan. I think my students would find it very interesting as it is the story of a young couple.

[Anonymous]

I think that my 7th and 8th grade students would like the two poems--Hateful Things and Adorable Things. I'd have to edit a little, but it might be good to read. It would be great to have the footnotes. That way students could learn about context. I was thinking students could read the poems, we talk about them, get their opinions through some sort of graphic organizer and discussion, and then we bring in the footnotes--to bring students into the "in-group" that was discussed during the class.

Also, the Bursu story seemed pretty silly/stupid. I bet the kids would love that too. It is a kind of "don't touch" but in the end nothing bad happens and the authority figure looks somewhat dumb. For 7th and 8th graders, who like to push boundaries, this is just perfect.

Lastly, I was thinking I would take the Tale of the Genji and have students create a story board or graphic version of one of the stories that they liked. Then I could show them the various Manga versions. Or simply have them read the various Manga versions and compare them with the original.

[Anonymous]

In Asians cultures women are portrayed as being fragile and only doing housework while caring for her husband’s every need. In the Tale of the Heike in Yoshinaka’s army he is accompanied by two strong women who were described as being good if not better than the other warriors and while being beautiful, a trait which is usually associated with being delicate not a warrior. She was a top general and always had more boldness than the other men in turn this helped her move up to his highest liking. Her portrayal challenges common Asian standards of women and their abilities.
edited by jmartinez on 6/23/2017
edited by jmartinez on 6/23/2017

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed learning about the primary document of the pillowbook. My students will relate to this source and find it engaging. I also think the part where she descibes an ideal man will interest my students. The beautiful photos are great and would appeal to students to compare and contrast the clothes of ancient and current royal women.

[Anonymous]

It is amazing that we have such a detailed account via primary sources from this time period. As mentioned previously, the content and resources from this country will work well in a middle school classroom.

[Anonymous]

This session focused on Classical Japanese literature. It once again reiterated that patriarchal societies continue to recreate themselves. Like the Chinese culture women in Japan were also trained on how to behave around the queen. They became very knowledgeable in rituals such as writing, poetry, music, and incense. Although they were well prepared it was important they not take part in a dialogic conversation or any other time of participation. When women entered the literary discourse they could not impede them from writing, but they should only write on limited things such their own experiences or trauma. Due to all the heavy writing women were left to do they became the first literacy leaders. However because they were regulated into a lower level a lot of their work were not saved.
edited by jmartinez on 6/23/2017

[Anonymous]

The descriptive writing in these works are impeccable. I would like to use it as an example for my students to show them why elaboration is so important.

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