ASIA6010 Modern Japanese Society
| Offered By | Faculty of Asian Studies |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Asian Studies |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course is an introductory course on modern Japanese society, which provides students with basic understanding and introduces key issues and various perspectives to analyse these issues. While it covers major economic and political events after the Meiji restoration of 1868 to the present, its main focus is on the consequences of these events on social, intellectual and cultural aspects. The course aims to provoke questions about assumptions behind the perspectives, such as the notion of an East/West dichotomy and the totality of national culture. It also tries to see the historicity of conventional understandings of modern Japanese society. It sets out to examine when, how and why these understandings were constructed, and it considers the implications of recent events. Students will be encouraged to bring in a comparative perspective in tutorials and essays. |
| Learning Outcomes | On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will have knowledge of the key political developments of Japan between 1868 and the present. They will also have a critical approach to various cliches and stereotypes, and key frameworks and concepts to analyze these developments. They will also learn the skills to examine issues and argue the points based on evidence. The course locates modern Japanese development within a broader international and comparative context, which derives from the research strength of the convener. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Tutorial work (20%), Essay (40%), Final Assignment(40%). Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to the graduate students’ interests. |
| Workload |
1.5 hour lecture and 1.5 hour seminar per week plus up to 7 hours non-contact work (reading, essay/assignment writing) per week. |
| Course Classification(s) | AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. |
| Areas of Interest | Non Language Asian Studies |
| Requisite Statement |
Permission of coordinator |
| Prescribed Texts |
Allinson, G., 'The Structure and Transformation of Conservative Rule', in Gordon (ed) Postwar Japan as History, UC Press, 1993 |
| Programs | Master of Asia-Pacific Studies |
| Academic Contact | Dr Akami |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
