3 credits
This section Undergraduates only
This class carries Culture Studies Credit
This class carries COLL S & H distribution credit

A survey of Western images of Japan from Marco Polo's description of
Japan with "roofs plated with gold" to the rebuilding of the country
following the devastation of World War II. We will look at the early
missionary experience in the sixteenth century, the Dutch experience
during Tokugawa, the "opening" of the country by Perry, the rise of
Japan as a world power, breakdown of relations with the US and
Britain, images of Japan as the enemy during WW II, and the
reemergence of Japan following the Allied Occupation. We will pay
particular attention to the writings of Western visitors and
how "outsider" views of Japan have changed over time.

There will be a midterm, a final exam, and several short papers
responding to assigned readings.