HIS 227 / PSC 227, POWER AND AUTHORITY
IN NONWESTERN SOCIETIES

SPRING SEMESTER 2003

ASSIGNMENT THIRTEEN
DUE:WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2003

While reviewing the illustrated slide presentation focusing on the place of the moon in traditional Japanese poetry, note other associations made by the poets with various places, animals, insects, activities and plants. How are these associated items depicted in the various concrete objects included in the presentation? How are the accompanying artifacts treated aesthetically? How would you characterize the resulting interplay between object and poem? Taken together, what season of the year is being evoked by these objects and poems? What kinds of emotions are being suggested and highlighted? What, if anything, does all this suggest about the aesthetic character of Japanese civilization and culture -- and the nature of "soft power" in traditional Japan?