JAPN-2123: Endo Shusaku

Course Description: In this course we will read through most of the novels of Endo Shusaku (1923-1996), one of modern Japan’s most important writers. Endo is a unique writer whose travels and stories take the reader from 16th century samurai to twentieth century France and India. Often compared with Francois Mauriac and Graham Greene, he is Japan’s most famous “Catholic writer.” In this course, we will explore such themes as racial differences, Catholicism in the non-West, and Japanese culture in the modern world. No knowledge of Japanese is required; course is taught in English. Majors within the East Asian Languages and Cultures Department may receive 1/2 of Theology requirement. Prerequisite: None.