JAPA 340: Topics in Japanese Literature

JAPA 340-DL1: Japanese Tales of SuprNatural
(Fall 2026)

Online

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Section Information for Fall 2026

Myth, Yōkai, Ghosts, and Modern Transformations

This course explores Japanese supernatural narratives from ancient myths and medieval tales to modern literature and popular culture. Through close readings of myths, legends, ghost stories, yōkai traditions, horror fiction, and contemporary retellings, students will examine how supernatural beings and experiences have reflected changing ideas about identity, society, memory, and the boundaries between human and nonhuman beings.

Beginning with foundational texts such as the Kojiki (712 CE) and medieval tales including the Konjaku Monogatari-shū and Uji Shūi Monogatari, the course traces the transformation of supernatural imagination through classical ghost stories such as Yotsuya Kaidan, modern literary works by writers such as Osamu Dazai, and contemporary fiction by acclaimed authors such as Haruki Murakami and Yukiko Motoya, as well as influential works of J-horror.

Special attention will be given to how traditional motifs—such as spirits, yōkai, transformations, and encounters with the unknown—continue to shape Japanese literature and culture, such as anime and games, today. By comparing texts from different historical periods, students will consider why supernatural narratives continue to be created, adapted, and reinterpreted across genres and media.

*This course is part of the Mason Core curriculum and fulfills requirements for Literature.

This is an online asynchronous section.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Study of selected topics in Japanese literature in English translation. Content varies. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different with permission of department. Offered by Modern & Classical Languages. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Literature
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies, Non-Western Culture
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 101 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.