History 231 - Tokugawa Japan

'This course narrates Japan's transformation from a chaotic set of warring states (mid-16th century) into a highly urbanized, literate, cultured but nonetheless feudal state--the Tokugawa enfiefed over 200 feudal lords (daimyo). From this un-modern foundation, 19th century samurai and their allies created a 'Japan' capable of leaping into the modern world after 1868. Reading both secondary and primary sources, students will deepen their understanding of what scholars call 'early modern Japan,' looking especially at socio-economic processes and their interaction with politics. We will consider issues of gender, literacy, local and central power, agricultural and artisanal production, and foreign relations.'