From Godzilla to Totoro: Monsters in Japanese Culture In this course we will examine a series of Japanese monsters (foxes, badgers, demons, vengeful spirits, and others), which populate Japanese myths, tales, folklore, art, and popular culture, in order to understand how the fear of the Other leads to marginalization and demonization and how monsters are created to contain undesirable figures. We will also explore the literary expressions of cultural anxieties generated by lack of understanding or misunderstanding of phenomena, such as the powers of nature and the afterlife, as well as the existential terrors resulting from trauma and war.

The Tale of Genji (in English) /The Tale of Genji/ is the world’s first psychological novel. This rich narrative centers on the political intrigues and passionate love affairs of Genji, a fictional prince barred from the throne.  In this course we will explore the narrative through a close reading in English translation. Students will gain knowledge of the aesthetic, religious, and social contexts of the Heian period, one of the most vibrant eras in Japanese culture. We will also trace how Genji monogatari has been interpreted over ten centuries in art, theater, films, and  most recently, manga.  (Formerly JAPN 0190) 3hrs. lect/disc.  This course is part of the Public Humanities Labs Initiative administered by the Axinn Center for the Humanities.*

Modern and Contemporary Japanese Women Writers A thousand years ago, women writers dominated the Japanese literary world. Then, for centuries, their skill was discounted, their works overlooked, and their voices silenced. Starting with the nineteenth century, however, Japanese women writers started to reclaim their grandmothers’ heritage. They took the male-dominated literary world by assault, pushing boundaries, drawing on their literary legacy and reinventing it, resisting the label of “women’s literature” so often pejoratively attached to their works.  In this course we will explore these figures of resistance and their multilayered works in the context of the changing socio-political conditions that shaped women’s positions in Japanese society.

Third-Year Japanese This course is a continuation of JAPN 0301.

First-Year Japanese   This course is an intensive continuation of JAPN 0101.  This course is required for those students wishing to take JAPN 0103 in the Spring.

Sex and Death in Classical Japanese Culture In this course we will examine the topics of sex and death in classical Japanese literature and culture, starting with the earliest creation myths of the 8th century, continuing with the masterpieces of the Heian period (794-1185), and culminating with the vibrant culture of the Edo period (1600-1868). We will explore a variety of genres, including poetry, courtly romances and warrior tales, noh and joruri drama, short stories and novellas, emaki painted scrolls, and early modern woodblock prints, focusing on the ways in which sex and death come to be addressed and represented in classical Japanese culture.

Third-Year Japanese This advanced course aims to increase the student's proficiency in modern standard Japanese, both spoken and written. A variety of written and audiovisual materials will be used to consolidate and expand mastery of more advanced grammatical points and vocabulary. Oral presentation, discussion, and composition in Japanese are also important components of the course.

Otilia Milutin

Reviews and ratings for Otilia Milutin at Middlebury College.Otilia Milutin teaches Monsters in Japan, The Tale of Genji (in English), Modern Japanese Women Writers and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Otilia Milutin good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Super odd but super interesting class. Needed to take it for distribution req, and I'm so glad I did. Do the readings (or at least skim them), put some thought into the papers/project, participate once per class and you'll get an A

This course was taken for a distribution requirement. I did not necessarily have an interest in the topic itself, but Otilia definitely does and it shows. There was a lot of discussion during class. The responses for readings were due twice a week, but it was not a lot of work overall. The papers were fairly graded as well.

Very easy class. As long as you actually try on your assignments, you will pass the class. Professor is super passionate and very nice. Just submit the assignments on time and participate even if it is by asking questions on TEAMS and you will pass. Very fun class and out of the box !