This is a high level advanced language course (on the same level as Seminar A and Japanese-English Translation; thus, higher than the Advanced Japanese Language courses). It serves three purposes. First, it serves as an intermediate stage between advanced group language study and independent research. Second, it allows students to familiarize themselves with key concepts and issues of Japanese history. Third, it improves the students? ability to read Japanese historical texts.

Using history textbooks and popular history writings, which are written in contemporary language, the course introduces students to both the basic conceptual terminology in the field of history, and to the major happenings in Japanese history and how these relate to more recent social and political issues. The topics may cover a variety of historical periods, ranging from samurai to modern soldiers, from Japanese creation myths to the foundation of the modern state, from imperialism to nationalism, from Kabuki theatre to soccer in contemporary Japan.

By the conclusion of the course, students should be familiar with the appropriate Japanese language tools necessary for Japanese history reading and for writing research essays in Japanese.The specific topics offered in a given year will depend on the lecturer(s) who will teach the course.

This course will be useful to students interested in history and current Japanese social and political issues.

On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to be able to read historical Japanese texts, including classical Japanese texts, on their own with dictionaries.  Anyone who is seriously doing some research in Japanese history should feel confident to use authentic historical documents in a printed form.  However, this course does not provide students with special skills to be able to decipher and read hand-written historical materials.  The number of students taking this course, including undergraduate students, is normally less than ten and individual guidance from the lecturer for each student is assured all the time.

Two 1,600-ji (characters) essays 10% each; two Japanese to English translations on documents of the student's choice 12.5% each; one project paper and its presentation 15%; final take-home examination 30%; and self-assessment 10%. 

Passing the course is conditional on passing the final take-home examination.

Students can expect to spend 10 hours per week on this course inclusive of Three contact hours per week.

Permission of Coordinator

Delivery Mode:

On Campus