--Welcome to the Winter 2022 edition of Japanese History in Ecological Perspective--
Introduction. The island world of Japan offers a unique standpoint for thinking about ecological history. An ecological standpoint likewise illuminates the deep history of Japan. This course takes in the entire span of Japanese history, from the beginnings of human habitation to the present. Topics include ancient Japanese lifeways; climate and history; agriculture, population, and resources; urbanization from ancient capitals to Megacity Tokyo; industrialization and energy; and future visions. Readings include influential scholarly works and Japanese primary sources in English translation.
Format. This is a small-enrollment discussion-based seminar. For Winter 2022, it follows an in-person format but the first meeting will be online. Active discussion and presentation work is required.
Textbook. You should purchase the basic text: Conrad Totman, Japan: An Environmental History (I.B. Tauris, 2016 [paperback ed.]; ISBN: 978-1-78453-743-2).
--The course syllabus and other course materials are posted to the "Files" folder.--