일본 고전문학 및 문화 교육 활성화 방안 고찰- D.E 대학교 예를 중심으로 -

Abstract

In the current situation where the number of university freshmen is decreasing due to declining birthrates and changes in social perceptions, universities are exploring various changes as self-help measures. In recent years, keywords such as “integration” and “consolidation” have driven significant transformations in university education, including the restructuring of academic departments and reforms in faculty systems. In particular, as practical academic disciplines are increasingly emphasized, courses related to Japanese classical literature are rarely offered. Many students perceive Japanese classical literature as “boring and uninteresting,” and even when such courses are available, the number of applicants is often low, leading to their eventual discontinuation. However, it is not appropriate to completely exclude content related to Japanese classical literature from the curriculum. A well-balanced curriculum covering Japanese language and literature, Japanese culture, and Japanese studies is essential for students to gain a more accurate understanding of Japan and to develop a correct perception of the country. The “continuity and development of culture” is considered the most important aspect of cultural education. While modern students have a strong interest in contemporary Japanese culture, such as anime and manga, it should not be forgotten that these are fundamentally rooted in traditional Japanese classical literature and cultural heritage. This paper aims to examine how courses at D.E University are structured to achieve the goal of understanding modern culture through the study of Japanese classical literature and traditional culture, using specific course examples as case studies.