This class was very interesting and I'm really glad I took it. Professor Duthie is awesome and since he translates all of the readings for the class himself, you're able to really get perspective behind the actual meaning of the works.

When I took the class, we had weekly assigned readings which we had to write 700-1000 word essays on. The class was a weekly three hour seminar in which we discussed the readings and each person in the class had to present on a reading once during the quarter (very casual presentation). Participation is very, very important, so you need to come to class prepared and ready to discuss the readings. The final was an 8-10 page paper on a topic of your choice.

I would recommend this class for Japanese majors, minors, and other Asian humanities majors/minors. It is helpful if you have some general knowledge of Japanese history or have taken Duthie's Japan 50 course (he referenced it a lot in class).