“During various historical periods, how has Japan been able to take in and absorb foreign elements from outside Japan, while also creating and retaining a sense of ‘Japaneseness’? What does this show us about Japanese culture and society?”
Based on our study of Japanese history so far, address this question in an essay (about 5 paragraphs.) Use specific examples from the primary sources we have examined in your essay to back-up and illustrate your analysis (these should include references drawn from primary source readings, art work, anime, videos, architecture, etc. You can use references from the readings and also from works of art, the videos, the PowerPoint Lectures, etc.) Use specific examples and put the examples in historical context (for example, when you refer to a specific text such as The Tale of Genji tell your reader when this text was produced, what was the nature of Heian aristocratic culture, etc.) Good luck.
(Make sure the essay addresses the essay problem or question, and that it has a clear thesis.)
( Make sure that you define all significant terms, tell your reader what these mean.)
( Give dates and historical context if relevant, for example if you refer to Lady Murasaki say the time period/dates during which she lived)