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.  

Students will be assessed by means of a combination of one 1000 word assessed essay [15%], one 2000 word assessed essay [35%] and one two-hour unseen written examination paper in which the student will answer two questions [50%].

Course assignments:

1. Assessed Essay 1will contribute 15% of the final mark for the module. It is designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to review evidence, draw appropriate conclusions from it and employ the formal conventions of scholarly presentation. It must be no longer than 1,000 words (excluding empirical appendices and references).
2. Assessed Essay 2will contribute 35% of the final mark for the module. It is designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to review evidence, draw appropriate conclusions from it and employ the formal conventions of scholarly presentation. It must be no longer than 2,000 words (excluding empirical appendices and references).
3. The Examination will take place during the second assessment period [May/June] and will consist of an unseen two hour paper that will contribute the remaining 50% of the final mark for this module. Students must write 2 answers in total.

The module will be broadly chronological, including topics such as:

• Late Tokugawa era society
• Intellectual responses to the growing encounters with the wider world
• The Meiji Restoration/Revolution of 1868
• The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5
• ‘Erotic Grotesque Nonsense’: the emergence of a mass urban society and popular culture
• Japan and the First World War
• Japan’s empire and relations with Asia
• Japan at the League of Nations
• Pearl Harbor and the Pacific War
• The Occupation Era, 1945-1952
• Post-War Japan

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, vols.5&6, (CUP, 1989)

Tessa Morris Suzuki, Reinventing Japan: Time, Space, Nation, (ME Sharpe, 1998)

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

Sheldon Garon, ‘Rethinking the Modernization and Modernity of Japanese History’, Journal of Asian Studies, 53/2 (May 1994)

Please see Essential Reading List.