BS1581: Japanese History

School Cardiff Business School
Department Code CARBS
Module Code BS1581
External Subject Code T200
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Maki Umemura
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

The aim of the module is to provide students with a sound understanding of Japanese history up to the end of the Pacific War, focussing upon the development of Japan as a nation and national identity in Japan. It will also develop an awareness of the importance of Japanese history in understanding modern Japanese society.

The module will also provide students with a sound understanding of Japan’s economic development from the Meiji Period up to the stagnation in the post-bubble period, together with an awareness of the importance of Japanese history in understanding modern Japanese society.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

A    Knowledge and Understanding:

  • understand aspects of Japanese society and the development of the nation and its national identity necessary for further study of Japan
  • understand aspects of Japanese history necessary for further study of Japan
  • identify key moments in Japanese history
  • identify the key aspects of the history of Japan’s economic development
  • appreciate the differences between the various periods in Japanese history
  • appreciate the importance of Japanese history to the understanding of modern Japanese society

B    Intellectual Skills: 

  • read and comprehend written works relating to history
  • critically appraise aspects of history
  • critically appraise historical events

C    Discipline Specific Skills: 

  • gain an in-depth knowledge of Japanese history
  • gain an in-depth knowledge of Japan’s economic development

D    Transferable Skills: 

  • develop high-level presentational skills – including the design of PowerPoint slides
  • critically analyse
  • write cogently and coherently on a given subject

How the module will be delivered

There will be 2 hours of classes per week for 11 weeks. There will usually be one lecture per week and one seminar per week, where students will receive training or make presentations on aspects of Japanese history. Audio visual material will also be used when appropriate.  Students will also be asked to make non-assessed presentations.

Indicative study hours:   200

How the module will be assessed

Continuous Assessment

20% - 10-15 minute Presentation (Spring Semester)

20% - 1,500 Essay (Spring Semester)

Examination Component

60% - One 2 hour examination at the end of the Spring Semester

Informal assessment is provided through discussion in classes and provides an ongoing mechanism for assessing the extent to which students are meeting the module’s learning outcomes.

The formal assessment is designed to cover the learning outcomes for the module and to test skill development that will test the student’s understanding of Japanese history.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 20 Japanese History - Essay N/A
Presentation 20 Japanese History - Presentation N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 60 Japanese History 2

Syllabus content

The module will cover from Early Japanese History through to the end of the Pacific War and Japan’s economic development from the Meiji Period up to the stagnation in the post-bubble period.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Gillespie, J, 2001, Japan – A Short History, London: Curzon

Sansom, G.B., 1987, Japan: A Short Cultural History (1931), available in recent reprints such as London: The Cresset Library

Schirokauer, C., 1993, A Brief History of Japanese Civilization, Thomas Learning

Waswo, A., 1996, Modern Japanese Society, 1868-1994.  Oxford: Oxford University Press

Murasaki Shikibu – Tale of Genji

Sei Shonagon – The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon

Peter Duus, 1998, Modern Japan. Boston: Houghton Miffin

Andrew Gordon, 2003, A Modern History of Japan. New York: Oxford University Press

Marius B. Jansen, 2002, The Making of Modern Japan. Cambridge: Harvard University Press

James L. McClain, 2001,  Japan: A Modern History. New York: W. W. Norton Co.

Nakamura Takafusa, 1994, Lectures on Modern Japanese Economic History, 1926-1994.  Tokyo: LTCB International Library Foundation


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