Japan has experienced dramatic changes in the past century, transforming itself from a feudal society into industrialized nation. In this course, we will explore postwar Japanese society from the perspective social change and its impact on lifestyles of people. The topics include transformation in postwar Japanese society, the economy, and their impacts on labor patterns, family structure, including issues of marriage, divorce, aging and care, as well as juvenile delinquents including suicide and despair in society. Readings focus mainly on anthropological, sociological and historical analysis dealing with these issues. The goal of this course is to provide students with a critical understanding of the dynamics of postwar Japanese society covering prominent social phenomena, and to examine Japanese society from social scientific perspective.
Rooster
see: rooster
Onderwijsvorm
werkcollege
Leerdoelen
In addition to developing a theoretically informed perspective on transformations in social, economic and political aspects in 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, available at Studiepunt Letteren (Lipsius building, Cleveringaplaats 1)
Toetsing
Participation element (attendance and presentation): 30%, Analytical element (mid term essay, 1,000-1,500 words) 20%, Research element (Research paper 2,000-2,500 words) 30%, Summative element (exam) 20%
Informatie
mw. dr.M. Kato, m.kato m.kato@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Enrollment/Aanmeld- en inschrijfprocedure colleges en tentamens: 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 weekly postings on the Blackboard website. Internet access is therefore essential in order to complete this course.
Ingangseisen
Entry requirements
For Japanese majors, students should normally have followed at least one BA2 focus in Sociology or a related discipline. For students outside of the Japanese program, some background in anthropology or sociology as well as knowledge of Japanese history is useful but not required.
Students who have not followed related social science courses in the past, or who are not sure whether they are eligible should contact the instructor directly to ask for permission to enroll in the course.