Admission requirements
To enroll in the course, students must be enrolled in the Japanese studies program and should have followed BA1 Lecture Japan in the 21st century.
Description
Identity is a popular topic that attracts much attention, but is also a source of many questions. What is an identity? How are identities formed? Do identities matter? How do we choose between multiple identities? In this course, we will explore existing frameworks for understanding the nature of identity, and processes of social differentiation which lead to the formation of identity and difference. We will do so by examining classic statements on the nature of different kind of identities: from class, racial and ethnic, national, gender, sexual to transnational, multi-cultural and postcolonial identities. Readings will combine theoretical readings as well as case studies in Japanese history and society (in a broad sense) to come to a better understanding of our own identities as well as the dynamics of identity and difference in Japanese society.
Course objectives
To develop an understanding of key conceptualizations of identity and difference.
To learn to critically assess processes of identity formation, social differentiation and inequality in Japanese society.
To develop and extend skills in reading and critically assessing academic texts, to conduct independent research, write and orally present on a topic related to the course readings in an academic fashion..
Timetable
Zie timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lecture/seminar
Course Load
5 ects=140 hours
contact hours; 4 hours per week= 7 weeks = 28 hours
Reading: approx. 40 pages per week + assignments = 6 hours x 12 weeks= 72 hours
Presentation, paper writing = 40 hours
Assessment method
Participation element (attendance, participation, webpostings, and presentation): 40%
Analytical element (1,000 words): 20%
Research element (2,000-2,500 words): 40%
All partial elements of the course (participation, analytical element, and research element) must be passed to receive a passing grade for the course. The course grade will be determined based on the weighted average of course elements if all elements have been passed.
There is no ‘resit’ for the participation element. For the papers to be submitted for the analytical element and research element, two deadlines apply. Failure to submit by the second ‘resit’ deadline will result in a reduction of the grade in accordance with program regulations.
Blackboard
Blackboard plays an essential part in this course. All important information about the course, including the syllabus, course requirements, course readings and announcements will be available on the course website. As part of class participation, students will also be required to make postings on the Blackboard website. Blackboard access is therefore essential in order to complete this course.
Blackboard
Reading list
See Blackboard
Registration
Registration through uSis. Not registered, means no permission to attend this course. See also the ‘Registrationprocedures for classes and examinations’ for registration deadlines and more information on how to register