The aim of the module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s contemporary political, economic, educational and social systems.

A     Knowledge and Understanding:

• identify the key aspects of economic, political, educational and social change in Japan in the Post-War period
• illustrate and compare the major differences between Japanese society and society in other developed nations

B     Intellectual Skills: 

• appreciate and interpret information about Japan provided in lectures
• carry out independent reading to consolidate and supplement information provided in lectures

C     Discipline Specific Skills: 

• take part in and lead discussion on various aspects of modern Japan
• to produce written work of a high standard, presenting both description and analysis.
• independently to find sources of published information and data about Japan, and to interpret and digest this information

D     Transferable Skills: 

• absorb information provided in class, and supplement this with independent reading
• appreciate the different approaches and techniques used in academic studies

·         have an international perspective in analysing information

·         be able to produce a high quality PowerPoint (or equivalent) presentation

·         be able to deliver a high quality presentation

There will be 27 contact hours across the module, with Reading Weeks in both semesters. Lectures will focus upon providing the important – but by no means exclusive – information relevant to that week’s subject.  Students will be expected to present and lead discussions on these issues.

Indicative study hours:     200

Intellectual Skills: 

• appreciate and interpret information about Japan provided in lectures
• carry out independent reading to consolidate and supplement information provided in lectures

Discipline Specific Skills: 

• take part in and lead discussion on various aspects of modern Japan
• to produce written work of a high standard, presenting both description and analysis.
• independently to find sources of published information and data about Japan, and to interpret and digest this information.

Transferable Skills: 

• have an international perspective in analysing information
• be able to produce a high quality PowerPoint (or equivalent) presentation
• be able to deliver a high quality presentation
• absorb information provided in class, and supplement this with independent reading
• appreciate the different approaches and techniques used in academic studies

Continuous Assessment:  30% - 2,000 word essay to be submitted in Week 12 of the Spring Semester

Examination: 70% - 2 hour examination using a computer with no access to the Internet

The formal assessment is designed to cover the learning outcomes for the module, to test skill development, and test the student’s understanding of Japan and Japanese society.

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. Students will give presentations, one of which will be on the subject of their assessed essay.

The syllabus will include lectures on a variety topics relevant to the understanding of Japan today.

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

INDICATIVE READING LIST:

Hendry, J., 2003, Understanding Japanese Society, London: Routledge

Hood, C.P., 2001, Japanese Educational Reform: Nakasone’s Legacy, London: Routledge

Hood, C.P., 2006, Shinkansen – From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan, London: Routledge

Hood, C.P., 2011, Dealing with Disaster in Japan: Responses to the Flight JL123 Crash, London: Routledge.

Kingston, J., 2001, Japanin Transformation, 1952-2000, Harlow:  Pearson

Preston, P.W., 2000, Understanding Modern Japan, London: Sage Publications

Sugimoto, Y, 1997, An Introduction to Japanese Society, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.