Meiji Japan (1868-1912) is generally viewed as the period in which Modern Japan took shape. As such its history and nature have been the subject of intense scholarly debate, whose changing arguments, topics, and approaches have also said much about changing contemporary views of Japan, of the world, and of modernity itself. How much about Meiji Japan was really “new,” and conversely, how much of “Japanese Tradition” was really a Meiji invention? Was the Meiji political and social system a repressive one? How did Meiji Japanese themselves view and act upon their place in society and in the world? What forces drove Japan to expand into neighboring Asia? How does Japan’s Meiji experience deserve the credit, or the blame, for what happened later? This second-year focus course surveys these and other areas of major scholarly debate involving the society, politics, and culture of Meiji-era Japan. Topics will include nation-building and national identity, the nature of the Meiji state, political movements and ideologies, media, education, and intellectual life, and changing social relations in country and city.
Rooster
Thursdays 9-11.00
See: rooster
Onderwijsvorm
werkcollege
Leerdoelen
In addition to surveying the scholarly landscape of Meiji Japan, the course will also provide guidance on academic writing and research, and the presentation of ideas and arguments in oral and written form.
Literatuur
Course Reader to be available at Studiepunt Letteren.
Toetsing
Participation element (incl. attendance, participation, and presentation): 30%
Analytical element (analytic essay (1,000-1,500 words)): 20%
Research element (research essay (2,000-2,500 words)): 30%
Summative element (exam): 20%
Informatie
This course is a part of “Keuzepakket Japanse Studies”
Aanmeld- en inschrijfprocedure colleges en tentamens:
http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/japans/studenten/aanmeldingsprocedure.jsp
Blackboard/webpagina
Blackboard plays an essential part in this course. All important information about the course, including the syllabus, course requirements, and other information, except for the course readings, will be available on the course website. As part of class participation, students will also be required to make postings on the Blackboard website. Internet access is therefore essential in order to complete this course.
Ingangseisen
Some background in modern history in general and Japanese history in particular is useful but not necessary.