ATS2620 · Modern Japan: From Samurai to Pokemon

Overview

In this unit, you will explore the history of Japan and East Asia via an examination of Japan’s final samurai-dominated shogunate, the Tokugawa (1603-1868), and the expansionist Empire of Japan (1868-1947), and its post-WWII transformation. You also examine the evolution of images and representations of the Japanese nation in popular culture, including film, books, anime, manga, and/or video games. The central concern is with the evolution of the Japanese state and society across this long period and with the tensions between the ideals put forward about Japanese tradition and the actual realities of Japanese life. We will consider modern Japan from varied perspectives by considering questions of status, identity, politics, gender, technology, environment, and economy.

Areas of study: Global Asia History Japanese studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify key political transformations across Japanese history as well as Japan's place in the wider region;
2. Explain processes of identity formation and the power of national myths;
3. Locate, assess, and analyse historical evidence;
4. Develop effective communication, argumentation and critical reflection skills.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.