JAPN 305 - Introduction to Japanese Culture & Civilization |
Spring 2019
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Course Description This course introduces various aspects of Japanese culture, including history, geography, religion, government, politics, customs and traditions. After a broad historical overview beginning in prehistory, this course focuses on the Tokugawa period as the bedrock for understanding modern Japanese society as a mass society. Taught in English. (Prereq: Junior or Senior Standing) Units: 4 Course Files
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Reflective Narrative From JAPN 305, we studied the origins of Japan from 12,000 BCE up to the Tokugawa Period in the 19th century learning about historical events, ideologies, and evolving cultural values. We also looked at significant forms of art, literature, economics, and cultural influence in order to better understand modern Japanese society. From the help our our passionate teacher we also discussed and reflected on contemporary events to connect the content we studied to contemporary moments in history. Introduction to Japanese Culture and Civilization, satisfied MLO 2, Japanese Culture by building upon prior knowledge from courses like JAPN 215, Cool Japan Today, and JAPN 306, The Japanese Mind, by combining famous historical moments and cultural concepts that lower division and upper division students could excel at comprehending. Students were asked to submit weekly papers on the topics we were studying, and provide not only our own interpretations but use historical primary and secondary sources to help create our own narrative. Once each weekly paper was completed we would then hold in-class discussions that would facilitate the students’ ability to communicate and listen to individual narratives. The class exceeded the course descriptions and learning outcomes, by intriguing students to analyze the topics in a foreign society. After I complete my graduation I hope to continue to analyze Japan and other countries historical backgrounds and study how their respective historical events have shaped their modern societies. By doing this I can not only understand their culture, but also further the understanding about my own background and culture. |