Contemporary Religions
with a Focus on Japan
The Sankei Mandala for Mt. Nachi on the Kii Peninsula
Course Description
Modern Japan is mysterious with respect to religion. On the one hand, nearly all Japanese deny being religious. On the other hand, most Japanese still participate in religious rituals, and religious places, festivals, and objects of worship can be seen at almost at every turn. This introductory seminar course seeks to contextualize and penetrate the religious landscape of contemporary Japan. Our hope is to both explore the general patterns in religiosity in this country and to understand the various trends in religious behavior.
Course Objectives
-to understand modern Japanese religious life
-to be able to articulate and defend an analytical position in a discussion setting
-to be able to explain a complex topic by employing new media, such as film
Modern Japan is mysterious with respect to religion. On the one hand, nearly all Japanese deny being religious. On the other hand, most Japanese still participate in religious rituals, and religious places, festivals, and objects of worship can be seen at almost at every turn. This introductory seminar course seeks to contextualize and penetrate the religious landscape of contemporary Japan. Our hope is to both explore the general patterns in religiosity in this country and to understand the various trends in religious behavior.
Course Objectives
-to understand modern Japanese religious life
-to be able to articulate and defend an analytical position in a discussion setting
-to be able to explain a complex topic by employing new media, such as film
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READING ASSIGNMENTS
Friday, Sept. 25th
READING: “My Own Inari: Personalization of the Deity in Inari Worship" by Karen A. Smyers p. 85-106
READING ASSIGNMENTS
Friday, Sept. 25th
READING: “My Own Inari: Personalization of the Deity in Inari Worship" by Karen A. Smyers p. 85-106
