ML1581: Japanese History
| School | Japanese |
| Department Code | MLANG |
| Module Code | ML1581 |
| External Subject Code | 101171 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Ruselle Meade |
| Semester | Double Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
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.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- 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
- Gain an in-depth knowledge of Japanese history
- Gain an in-depth knowledge of Japan’s economic development
How the module will be delivered
There will be 26 hours of classes over the two semesters with a Reading Week in both semesters. Audio visual material will also be used when appropriate.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- Read and comprehend written works relating to history
- Critically appraise aspects of history
- Write cogently and coherently on a given subject
How the module will be assessed
Essay - 1,500 words - 50% - Week 12 Autumn semester
Exam - 2 hours - 50% - Spring exams period
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 50 | Essay 1,500 Words (Autumn Semester) | N/A |
| Exam - Spring Semester | 50 | 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
Background Reading and Resource List
None given.