Ninja: Myth Meets History
In this 80 minute single class, learners will get to sort out the myths from historical fact surrounding the ninja warrior class in Japanese history.
Jennifer M. Yoo
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(95)
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Made infamous by the media and popular culture, perhaps even more popular than the samurai, these dark figures cloaked in shadow need little introduction. But what about the real ninja? This class is mostly lecture-based but will start with a discussion of what learners think to be popular myths about the ninja (based on media, etc.). I will then take learners through a PowerPoint slide presentation with images/photos and video clips covering the ninja and their true history. Focus will be on how they lived, what they actually did, how they fought, and how myths about them came to be. Stories of famous actual ninja in Japanese history and what they did, as well as some popular myths surrounding them that made them legendary, will be told as part of the class. Learners are encouraged to ask questions throughout. No previous experience or knowledge of Japanese history, culture, etc. required.
Learning Goals
After completing this class, learners will be able to explain fact from fiction regarding the ninja warrior class in Japanese history.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Given the nature of the ninja as warriors, class content will include discussion of violence.
Supply List
Video clips will be shared as part of PowerPoint presentations via screen-share on Zoom and won’t require any external resource to view.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2020
4.9
95reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Hawaii at Manoa
I specialize in Japanese studies and have studied Japanese premodern history and traditional culture extensively for more than 8 years. I have taught courses on premodern history of Japan with a focus on the warrior culture, as well as given presentations on ninja in popular culture compared to true history since 2006.
I have also been to various historic and cultural sites in Japan related to the history of the ninja, such as Iga and Koga, regions famous for being the home of the Iga ninja and Koga ninja clans respectively. I have also met with an active ninjutsu (ninja technique) master.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
80 min
Completed by 20 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-10 learners per class
