American Literature

What is “America”?
What is “literature”?
What is “culture”?

Students of American literature and culture struggle to answer these questions. This is the world of wandering and wondering. My class functions as a portal to that world for you.

Do not stress yourself out trying to find THE ANSWER. There is no single, perfect answer, which is absolutely right, in your literature class. Admit that there is something that is too hard to answer. Then you will feel better.

HOW DO WE LEARN AMERICAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE IN YOUR CLASS?

Choose a topic that interests you. Hopefully, it is somewhat related to “America by your definition.” Definitions of “America” may vary. When you want to say “something” about the topic, find clues to say so in your “texts” (literary or cultural products) and persuade your audience that your argument is understandable. If you cannot find such clues in your texts, go to the library, and find books that include ideas similar to yours. When you happen to find a good text that contains clues in a small library overseas in your Internet research, do not hesitate to go get yourself a ticket to fly out of Japan.

You do not need to confine yourself in the world of books. You are connected to “the world” with the texts you read without knowing. However, if you choose to confine yourself in the world of books, you are welcome to do so. It is much bigger and freer than you think.

Professor
Subject of Studies : Literature and Culture in North America