In this course we will examine the representation of crime and its consequences in Japanese texts ranging from ancient court narrative and classical Noh drama to the modern novel, the samurai film, the detective story, and the police procedural. We will pay special attention to evolving understandings and portrayals of human nature and criminal deviance, the role of Japan's extraordinarily abrupt modernization in redefining the relationship between society and the individual, and the recurring figure of the femme fatale. 3 hrs. lect./disc.