The transformation in Japan during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was remarkable both for its breadth and its rapidity. In the space of a few decades, a tradition-bound society governed by the samurai class of sword carrying warrior-bureaucrats was replaced by an industrialising modern nation-state built along a western model. Increasing contact with the west touched all elements of society: politics, culture, thought, and even daily life. Rather than a straightforward narrative of modernisation, however, the picture which emerges is a complex and ambiguous one, with new ideas inspiring competing visions of Japan's future and its position in the wider world.

This module considers the modern history of Japan from the nineteenth century – the late Tokugawa period and the Meiji Restoration – up to World War Two, the occupation era, and beyond. The focus will be on cultural and intellectual history, but along the way we will evaluate models and concepts which have been used in the interpretation of Japanese history, as well as encountering familiar events from unfamiliar perspectives, and seeking to ask what Japan’s experiences can tell us of the broader modern world.

• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of Japan’s modern history
• Analyse and discuss key arguments and events from the historiography of Japan, such as the Meiji Restoration or the ‘Dark Valley’ of the 1930s.
• Evaluate different interpretive approaches to modern Japanese history
• Apply general historical concepts, such as the nation and nationalism, imperialism, and modernity, in a non-western setting
• Situate incidents and themes from the history of Japan within a wider global context

A range of teaching methods will be used in each of the sessions of the course, comprising a combination of lectures and seminar discussion of major issues. The syllabus is divided into a series of major course themes, then sub-divided into principal topics for the study of each theme.

Lectures:

The aim of the lectures is to provide a brief introduction to a particular topic, establishing the salient features of major course themes, identifying key issues and providing historiographical guidance. The lectures aim to provide a basic framework for understanding and should be thought of as useful starting points for further discussion and individual study. Where appropriate, handouts and other materials may be distributed to reinforce the material discussed.

Seminars:

The primary aim of seminars will be to generate debate and discussion amongst course participants. Seminars for each of the course topics will provide an opportunity for students to analyse and further discuss key issues and topics relating to lectures

• communicate ideas and arguments effectively, whether in class discussion or in written form, in an accurate, succinct and lucid manner.
• formulate and justify arguments and conclusions about a range of issues, and present appropriate supporting evidence
• an ability to modify as well as to defend their own position.
• an  ability to think critically and challenge assumptions
• an ability to use a range of information technology resources to assist with information retrieval and assignment presentation.
• time management skills and an ability to independently organise their own study methods and workload.
•  work effectively with others as part of a team or group in seminar or tutorial discussions. 

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

No reassessment.

The module will be a mix of chronological and thematic approaches, including topics such as:

·       Late Tokugawa era society

·       Intellectual responses to the growing encounters with the wider world

·       The Meiji Restoration/Revolution of 1868

·       Popular responses to the opening of Japan

·       The Sino-Japanese War of 1894-5

·       The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

Indicative Reading and Resource List:

Ian Buruma, Inventing Japan, (Phoenix Publishing, 2003)

Marius Jansen, The Making of Modern Japan, (Harvard University Press, 2002)

J W Hall et al, Cambridge History of Japan, vol.5, (CUP, 1989)

Irokawa Daikichi, The Culture of the Meiji Period, (Princeton University Press, 1985)