This module develops and extends students’ knowledge and understanding of Japanese history and society through an examination of memory and symbols in Japan  In one semester we examine how aspects of Japan can be studied through the use of symbols. Building upon the book “Empire of Signs” by Roland Barthes, a range of symbols will be analysed and considered in relation to their usage in Japan and their broader understanding. In the other semester we examine how the Asia-Pacific War has been remembered in Japanese popular media Seminars will provide students with the analytical tools (i.e. an understanding of concepts such as collective memory, personal memory and narrative) to enable independent analyses of material. In some seminars students will present and lead discussion on particular topics.

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1. Apply a high level of understanding of Japanese culture and society.
2. Critically analyse how the Asia-Pacific War is remembered in various popular media in contemporary Japan.
3. Compare and contrast approaches to memory making in contemporary Japan
4. Articulate independent critical responses to academic and cultural ‘texts’ (broadly understood) produced in Japanese and in English.
5. Explain key theories about memory and symbols and apply these to empirical material.
6. Articulate arguments coherently orally and in writing.

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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. 

Seminars are based around class discussion, in which students will develop and explore ideas formulated during independent study of set texts and additional research of the key ideas outlined in lectures. This will facilitate students’ capacity to develop independent research skills and the ability to work effectively in small and large groups, as outlined in the learning outcomes.

• Critical reading skills
• Advanced Japanese reading skills
• Oral presentation skills
• Leading and engaging in discussion and debate
• Analytical writing skills
• Research and bibliographic skills

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

Mapping of Assessments to Intended Learning Outcomes

Coursework project 1 assesses ILO(s) 1,4,5 and 6

Coursework project 2 assesses ILO(s) 1,2,3,4, and 6

Reassessment

You may be required to resit one or more of the assessments in this module if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit during the August resit period. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme.

SEMESTER 1

• Empire of Signs
• Signs and Semiotics
• Studying Japan
• Maps
• Memorials
• Transportation and Contents Tourism
• Kamon
• The Shadow of the Mushroom Cloud

SEMESTER 2

• The Japanese Colonial Empire
• The Asia-Pacific War: Issues and Controversies
• Exhibiting War
• The Yasukuni Shrine and Commemoration
• War Memory: From Personal to Collective Memory
• Okinawan War Memory
• The War Front
• War Memory in Japan’s Former Colonial Empire
• The Zero Fighter and Tokkōtai in Post-war Popular Culture