Keller Kimbrough's research focuses on premodern Japanese Literature (particularly of the late Heian, Kamakura, Muromachi, and early Edo periods); Japanese Buddhist Literature; Heian and Medieval Poetry and Poetics; Seventeenth-century Puppet Theater; and Japanese Narrative Painting.
JPNS 2811 - Heroes and the Supernatural: Word and Image in Old Japan
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Examines the fusion of literary and visual arts in twelfth- to nineteenth-century Japan, focusing on illustrated handscrolls and narrative paintings. Students will explore tales of monsters, samurai, fantastic journeys to other worlds, anthropomorphic animals, and the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century precursors of contemporary Japanese comics. This course seeks to analyze visual-literary texts in their historical contexts as both literature and art. Taught in English.
JPNS 3811 - Love, Death, and Desire: Classical Japanese Literature in Translation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Surveys the major works and authors of classical Japanese literature, both poetry and prose, from the earliest historical records and literary anthologies through the Heian period (784-1185). Taught in English. Recommended prerequisite: JPNS 1051. Same as HUMN 3811.
JPNS 4310 - Classical Japanese 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Introduces reference tools for reading classical Japanese, and grammar, vocabulary, and use of scripts in premodern Japanese, focusing on the 10th century Taketori Monogatari and the 13th century Hojoki. Recommended prerequisites: JPNS 3120 and JPNS 3811 and JPNS 3821.
JPNS 4320 - Classical Japanese 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Continuation of JPNS 4310. Surveys changes in Japanese literary language from the Nara (eighth century) to Meiji (late 19th century) periods. Attention given to changes in grammar, vocabulary, and use of scripts in premodern Japanese. Introduces representative works of classical Japanese literature of all periods.
JPNS 5310 - Advanced Classical Japanese 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Focuses on stylistic, grammatical, and orthographic variations in texts of the classical, medieval, and early modern eras. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4310 is required.
JPNS 5410 - Medieval Prose Literature
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Focuses on selected prose works and authors from the medieval, or Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185-1600). Texts may include selections from a variety of war tales, histories, courtly fiction, diaries, memoirs, short prose narratives (otogi-zoshi), Noh plays, and Buddhist literature such as Heike Monogatari, Towazugatari, Izayoi Nikki, Tsurezuregusa, and Shasekishu. Texts and selections vary from year to year. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4320 is required.
JPNS 5420 - Japanese Buddhism and Literature
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2023
Studies selected works from the Japanese literary tradition in which Buddhism plays a significant thematic role. Focuses on texts such as the Nihon Ryoiki, Buddhist poetry (Shakkyo-Ka) from the imperial poetry anthologies, Heike Monogatari, Hojoki, the poetry of Saigyo and Basho, and selected Noh plays. Texts and selections vary from year to year. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Knowledge of Classical Japanese at the level of JPNS 4320 is required.
JPNS 5620 - Early Modern Japanese Literature and Culture
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Examines the literature, arts, drama and culture of Japan's early modern period in the original language, as well as secondary scholarship and methodologies for pursuing work on early modern materials. Genres covered include kana-zoshi, uklyo-zoshi, dangibon, yomihon, sharebon, kibyoshi, ninjobon, kokkelbon, gokan, halkai, senryo, kyoka, joruri, kabuki, and literary thought.
JPNS 5920 - Topics in Modern Literature and Culture
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Close study of a specific problem or issue in modern or contemporary literature or culture: e.g., transwar literary nationalism. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours, provided the topics vary.
