Affiliated Departments & Programs

Kai Xie joined the Kenyon faculty in 2017 after receiving her Ph.D. in Japanese literature from University of Washington, Seattle. She teaches courses in Japanese language, literature, and culture, and also directs the Japanese program at Kenyon.

With research interests and background in both Japanese and Chinese literature, Xie is especially interested in how "China" was conceptualized, transmitted, mediated, and manipulated by Japanese authors in their literary works. She has published articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Japanese Language and Literature and Asian Theatre Journal. Her current research project, tentatively titled Remapping the Sino-Japanese Dialectic: Sino-Japanese Interplay in Linked Verse Compositions of Japan, examines the juxtaposition, interaction, and integration of what Japanese authors conceived of as "Japanese" and "Chinese" elements in linked verse compositions of Japan from the 14th to 17th centuries.

Areas of Expertise

Premodern Japanese literature, Sino-Japanese comparisons and interactions, Sino-Japanese (kanbun) literature.

Education

2017 — Doctor of Philosophy from University of Washington

2010 — Master of Arts from University of Massachusetts Am

2010 — Master of Arts from University of Massachusetts Bo

2007 — Master of Arts from Beijing Foreign Studies Univ

2004 — Bachelor of Arts from Beijing Foreign Studies Univ

Courses Recently Taught

This capstone seminar is taught by Asian Studies Program faculty in rotation and is organized around a common theme that integrates the various disciplines and regions of Asia. Through readings, films, guest lectures and other activities, the course leads students to synthesize their academic and personal (e.g., off-campus) experiences in a broader comparative perspective. Students produce work that examines one or more topics of their own interest within the comparative Asian framework. Required for Asian studies concentrators and joint majors. This interdisciplinary course does not count toward the completion of any diversification requirement. No prerequisite. Permission of instructor required. Senior standing. Offered every spring.

This is the first half of a yearlong course that is designed for students who are beginning the study of Japanese. This course introduces basic Modern Standard Japanese and provides students with language skills through intensive practice and with knowledge of various aspects of the Japanese culture. Students also learn three types of Japanese orthography: hiragana, katakana and approximately 70 kanji. This course includes required practice sessions with a teaching assistant, which are scheduled at the beginning of the semester. Students enrolled in this course are automatically added to JAPN 112Y for the spring semester. No prerequisite. Offered every fall.

This second half of a yearlong course is a continuation of JAPN 111Y. The second semester continues to introduce basic Modern Standard Japanese and provides students with language skills through intensive practice and with knowledge of various aspects of the Japanese culture. Students are expected to build a solid foundation in the Japanese grammar while developing communicative skills in Japanese. Students also learn approximately 100 kanji. This course includes required practice sessions with a teaching assistant, which are scheduled at the beginning of the semester. Prerequisite: JAPN 111Y or equivalent with permission of the instructor. Offered every spring.

Manga (Japanese comics) and anime (Japanese animation) have become a global phenomenon, and they serve as a great way to learn about Japanese culture. This course not only covers manga, anime and contemporary films, but also traces back to premodern times, examining illustrated handscrolls, picture books and various forms of performing arts (noh, kabuki and bunraku). For each genre, we read secondary sources and examine representative works such as Osamu Tezuka’s “Phoneix,” Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashōmon” and Satoshi Kon’s “Millennium Actress.” There are seven required screenings on Sundays 7-9 pm. Students gain a more comprehensive and deeper understanding of Japanese visual culture while developing skills in close reading, analytical thinking, presentation and writing. The course is conducted in English. No prior knowledge of Japan or Japanese language is required. This course counts toward the Japanese major and minor, and the Asian and Middle East studies joint major and concentration. No prerequisite. Offered every two to three years.

This course introduces Japanese society and culture through authentic materials in Japanese language. We study materials produced for mass consumption, including folk tales from the past, manga, anime, newspapers and science fiction. Students learn concepts essential for understanding contemporary Japanese culture and society, and participate in discussion, presentation and research on related topics. Meanwhile, this course seeks to further enhance reading, speaking, listening and writing proficiency in the Japanese language. This counts toward the Japanese major. Prerequisite: JAPN 213Y-214Y or equivalent. Offered every other year.\n

Gender roles, work environments and education systems are very different in Japan and the U.S. On the one hand, this course discusses cultural differences in regard to these three topics to deepen students’ understanding of Japanese society and culture. On the other, it challenges stereotypical images about Japan, such as salaryman and housewife, rigid hierarchical relationships, and stressful school and workplace environments. We read and watch authentic materials in Japanese, including fiction, essays, manga, anime and TV dramas. Students participate in discussion, presentation and research on related topics. In addition to helping students gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Japanese society and culture, this course seeks to further enhance reading, speaking, listening and writing proficiency in the Japanese language. Prerequisite: JAPN 321, 322 or equivalent. Offered every other year.