Japanese Philology - Advanced Course

Course objectives

General objectives: The course aims to deepen the knowledge of the morphology and written praxes of the Japanese language, particularly in the premodern period, with the specific goal of enabling the learner to read, interpret, and translate archival sources and documents written according to the stylistic convention of sinitic literacy and clerical writings. The course also involves a reasoned study of the major evolutions of the Japanese notation and writing conventions through the centuries, with advanced notions of paleography and diplomatics useful for conducting an analytical examination of original specimens of significant literary, documentary, and archival value. Specific objectives: By the end of the course, the learner will be able to read and interpret premodern texts of different categories and genres; will have a thorough knowledge of the history of Japanese archival science and will be able to identify, transcribe, classify, and interpret documents written in cursive or semi-cursive script, types of manuscripts, and historical printed editions.

Channel 1
DARIO MINGUZZI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge needed to read literary Sinitic texts in both prose (kanbun) and poetry (kanshi) as produced in premodern Japan. Particular attention will be devoted to the textual culture of the Heian period (9th–12th centuries) and to the reading and interpretation of texts through the practice of kundoku (reading with glosses). In addition, the course seeks to offer students some basic tools for the textual and philological analysis of premodern Japanese sources through an introductory approach to the critical study of sources. The course has the following objectives: 1) Introduction to the grammar of literary Sinitic and guided reading of selected texts; 2) Reading, analysis, and translation of a selection of Sinitic poems; 3) Active reading of Sinitic texts through Classical Japanese vocabulary and grammatical structures (kundoku). The course combines interactive close readings of selected texts led by the instructor with active student participation in the form of individual and/or group presentations on assigned texts.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites are required; however, a good background in Classical Japanese is desirable. Note: A knowledge of Modern Chinese or the pinyin transcription system is NOT required for effective participation in the course.
Books
Materials provided in class by the instructor, along with reference texts for consultation, which will be indicated during the course and provided via Classroom.
Frequency
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Students who do not plan to attend are kindly asked to contact the instructor.
Exam mode
The final assessment consists of a written paper and a final examination, which may be taken either in written or oral form.
Bibliography
B. W. Van Norden, Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners, Hackett Pub Co Inc, 2019.
Lesson mode
The course will be held in person.
DARIO MINGUZZI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge needed to read literary Sinitic texts in both prose (kanbun) and poetry (kanshi) as produced in premodern Japan. Particular attention will be devoted to the textual culture of the Heian period (9th–12th centuries) and to the reading and interpretation of texts through the practice of kundoku (reading with glosses). In addition, the course seeks to offer students some basic tools for the textual and philological analysis of premodern Japanese sources through an introductory approach to the critical study of sources. The course has the following objectives: 1) Introduction to the grammar of literary Sinitic and guided reading of selected texts; 2) Reading, analysis, and translation of a selection of Sinitic poems; 3) Active reading of Sinitic texts through Classical Japanese vocabulary and grammatical structures (kundoku). The course combines interactive close readings of selected texts led by the instructor with active student participation in the form of individual and/or group presentations on assigned texts.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites are required; however, a good background in Classical Japanese is desirable. Note: A knowledge of Modern Chinese or the pinyin transcription system is NOT required for effective participation in the course.
Books
Materials provided in class by the instructor, along with reference texts for consultation, which will be indicated during the course and provided via Classroom.
Frequency
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Students who do not plan to attend are kindly asked to contact the instructor.
Exam mode
The final assessment consists of a written paper and a final examination, which may be taken either in written or oral form.
Bibliography
B. W. Van Norden, Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners, Hackett Pub Co Inc, 2019.
Lesson mode
The course will be held in person.
  • Lesson code10612510
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseOriental Languages and Cultures
  • CurriculumLingua giapponese
  • Year2nd year
  • Duration12 months
  • SSDL-OR/22
  • CFU6