ML5082: Japanese Culture and Society

School Japanese
Department Code MLANG
Module Code ML5082
External Subject Code 101171
Number of Credits 15
Level L5
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Christopher Hood
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2022/3

Outline Description of Module

This module will introduce students to the theoretically reflected and methodologically guided study of history, society and cultural production from a national and transnational perspective.

Over the semester, students will engage with concepts, theories and approaches that are central to Japanese Studies and disciplines related to the study of Modern Languages.

Teaching is divided into two themed blocks in which students will be introduced to and encouraged to challenge concepts of Culture and Representation, and Identity. Each block will be introduced by school-wide lectures before students split into their specific languages for more in-depth study in the national context.

Some blocks may then take a more historical approach, others will emphasise critical analysis of different genres of cultural production.

Weekly learning activities will be structured around selected materials designed to allow close study and discussion of the topics explored leading students to a theoretically and methodologically informed understanding of Japanese history, society and culture.

Lectures and seminars will be used to develop and expand knowledge and relevant skills in a wide range of topics relevant to Japanese Studies.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Define a range of key concepts relevant to the study of Japanese culture, history, and society within a transnational context;
  2. Select and analyse key text based and visual course materials;
  3. Analyse how the cultural artefacts/texts studied relate to one another and to their context of production;
  4. Defend, both orally and in writing, a theoretically reflected position on the topics and materials studied;
  5. Build a coherent, evidence-based argument drawing on relevant secondary literature.

 

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered through a range of interactive teaching sessions supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials – and may include, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.  

Students will be expected to engage in substantial independent study outside the classroom. They will be guided in this respect by the learning materials provided and related reading lists.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • Close reading;
  • Critical thinking;
  • Basic research skills;
  • Organisational skills;
  • Study skills;
  • Writing skills;
  • Word-processing skills;
  • Presentation skills; and
  • Self-awareness.

How the module will be assessed

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table below, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

Mapping of Asessments to Intended Learning Outcomes

Online Quizzes: assess LOs 1

Class Presentation: assesses LOs 1-5

Essay: assesses LOs 1-5

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students who fail the module overall will be given the opportunity to resubmit a piece of coursework (100%).

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Presentation 10 Class Presentation N/A
Written Assessment 90 Essay (2000 Words) N/A

Syllabus content

At the school wide, transnational level, students will explore the following topics:

  • Culture
  • Representation
  • Identity
  • Mainstream and Marginalised

In the Japanese context students will explore

  • Images of Japan

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