Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Knowledge of Japanese not required. Readings of fictional works that feature supernatural beings, including Shinto gods, Buddhas, boddhisatvas, Yin-yang diviners, ghosts, various types of demons, shape-shifting foxes and raccoon dogs, snakes, and dragons. Exploration of different treatments of supernatural themes from ancient to modern times, and of relationship between supernatural literature and expressions of fear, cruelty, violence, misogyny, desire, hope, compassion, and humor. Letter grading.

Units: 4.0