Brief Introduction
Study Japanese scroll art as text and as "little movies" that immerse the viewer through visual narration.Course Summary
Explore the world of Japanese books, from manuscript to print, in this course offered by Harvard University. Gain an appreciation for Japanese bookmaking techniques and the cultural significance of these literary works.Key Learning Points
- Learn about the history and art of Japanese bookmaking
- Gain an understanding of the cultural significance of Japanese literature
- Explore the differences between manuscript and print books
Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have
- Japanese Language Teacher
- USA: $50,000 - $70,000
- India: INR 3,00,000 - INR 6,00,000
- Spain: €25,000 - €35,000
- Cultural Researcher
- USA: $40,000 - $80,000
- India: INR 2,50,000 - INR 6,50,000
- Spain: €20,000 - €40,000
- Museum Curator
- USA: $40,000 - $90,000
- India: INR 3,00,000 - INR 8,00,000
- Spain: €25,000 - €45,000
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Gain an appreciation for Japanese bookmaking techniques
- Understand the cultural significance of Japanese literature
- Develop an ability to analyze and compare manuscript and print books
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic knowledge of Japanese history and culture is helpful but not required
- Access to a computer with internet connection
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- The Art of Chinese Calligraphy
- Islamic Art and Culture
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Japanese Literature Scholar
- Japanese Writer
Related Books
Description
Course description
This course expands the definition of the “book” to include scrolls and albums, focusing on the reading experience of a variety of formats in Japan. You will begin by examining rare and beautifully preserved manuscripts in the Harvard Art Museums in an introduction exploring the material properties of Japanese books and scrolls, binding techniques, and important terminology. An examination of the illustrated scroll comes next, through a unit on the short story and visual storytelling in premodern Japan. The course concludes with The Tale of Genji , an overview of how this celebrated epic from the eleventh century was read and illustrated in every conceivable format, from scroll, to album, to printed book, into the modern era.
Drawing on the rich collections of Harvard’s libraries and museums, this course is part of a larger series on the history of books, where learners explore the book not merely as a container of content, but as significant physical objects that have shaped the way we understand the world around us.
Knowledge
- What you'll learn
- How to examine Japanese books and scrolls
- Different types of bindings, scroll formats, printing techniques, and basic terminology
- Different approaches to visual and textual storytelling
- Short stories and epic tales— plots, characters, and illustrative devices
- How to analyze and appreciate illustrated narratives
Outline
- Module 1: Books, Scrolls, and Religious Devotion
- Module 2: Visual and Textual Storytelling: Short-Story Scrolls
- Module 3: “Multimedia” Books: The Tale of Genji
Summary of User Reviews
The Japanese Books: Manuscript and Print course from Harvard Online Learning has received positive reviews from users. Students have praised the course's in-depth exploration of Japanese book history and the engaging teaching style.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
The course's exploration of Japanese book history is thorough and engaging.Pros from User Reviews
- Engaging teaching style
- In-depth exploration of Japanese book history
- Helpful resources and materials provided
- Opportunities for discussion and interaction with other students
Cons from User Reviews
- Course is quite challenging and may require additional time commitment
- Some technical issues reported with the online platform
- Limited opportunities for feedback and communication with instructors
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