市ヶ谷リベラルアーツセンター（ILAC）ILAC Course

The oldest song collection in Japan, the Man'yōshū, contains about 4,500 kinds of songs from about 100 years from the mid-7th century ~ mid-8th century. They are divided into four periods according to age and song style, but in this class, we will focus on the works of the first semester (1st and 2nd periods).
By taking up the works of this early period of waka, we learn about the world of waka poetry, which is the basis of later Japan classical literature. In addition, students will learn the charm of living in the social system of the time, and the expression of poets who have been handed down and appreciated 1,200 years later continues to exist even today.
I want you to learn the richness of expression that waka as an art and communication possesses even though it has a small number of letters (sounds).
【Learning activities outside of classroom】
In addition to reading the thoughts contained in the short form of waka poetry, which is mainly 31 characters, we will think about the lives of people who lived during the turbulent period of the Japan's ancient society, and find the ideal form of literature that can be sympathized with even if there is a time difference of about 1,300 years.
The goal is to enable students to sense that classical literature, which is often thought to be alien to ancient literature, has something interesting that is common to us today, and to acquire knowledge of literary history and enhance interest and culture in Japan culture.
【Learning activities outside of classroom】
I want students to be conscious of the literature and expression of waka poetry that remains in modern life in their daily lives. One example of this is the use of manga, anime, and dramas such as Hyakunin Isshu.
Students can easily understand the background of the works by reviewing the Japan history of the Asuka period to the Nara period in advance at the level of Japan high school history and checking it as necessary during each class.
I would like students to try to create a prototype waka poem that expresses their emotions with 31 notes.
The standard preparation and review time for this class is 2 hours each.
【Grading Criteria /Policy】
At the final class, students will take an essay test (you can bring your own) on the questions presented in advance (select one question from multiple questions). This test is 100% of the rating.
The questions will ask about understanding the Man'yōshū as literature, such as understanding waka expression, understanding the poets and the era in which they were established.
The point of evaluation is whether the person considers the set problem theme in his own way based on his or her reading comprehension of literary works, and whether the consideration is logically argued.
In addition, the main point is whether the essay can be expressed in a sentence that is easy for others to read.
Attendance is required each time, and at least 50% attendance is considered to be eligible to take the test.

日本語 / Japanese