DIRECTIONS. The exam will cover the material listed in the syllabus since the beginning of the class, assigned readings and lectures. BRING BLUE BOOK and scantron. You will also be responsible for the terms relating to the traditional arts.
SECTION I. This section will consist of a variety of questions (true/false, multiple choice, etc.) based on the assigned readings, class lecture and films.
SECTION II. This section will consists of matching and identification questions based on terms listed in the syllabus and from the readings and lectures listed below. By identification you will be expected to know the Japanese word, describe it and indicate its significance.
Buddhism, Okuni, onnagata, chanoyu, aragoto/wagoto, do-gaku-jitsu, yugen, wabi, Sen Rikyu, Noh, Shinto, makoto, ema, mikoshi, matsuri, chokai, nawa, kami, omairi, jinja, omamori, kannushi, wabi, sabi, ma, kegare.
SECTION III. Essays.
1. Systemization and ranking are significant features of Japanese cultural arts. Discuss this aspect with regard to shin-gyo-so classification, do-gaku-jitsu (discipline, study, practice) and the changes brought about by Westernization.
2. Form and content are two important areas for
artistic
and other social forms of expression. In different societies and at
different
times, one may receive more weight than the other. Discuss the
relative
functions of form and content
in Japanese arts. Choose a specific art form and illustrate how
it deals with these two components. Specifically discuss the importance
of the concepts of wabi and ma.
3
."Though Shinto as an actively held set of
beliefs
is moribund in today's Japan, it has undeniably had a profound effect
on
the way Japanese view the natural world. And its influence in that
respect
has been reinforced by Buddhism, which sees the entire
universe--animal,
vegetable and mineral--as one." The Japanese world view as indicated
above
differs significantly from the Western view which looks to a
transcendent
God and an after life. Discuss the impact of the Shinto and
Confucian
world view on Japanese culture. Give examples