Admission requirements
Students must be MA students enrolled in the Asian studies MA program.
Description
This seminar examines Japanese society from a sociological perspective. In combining readings in classical and contemporary sociological theory with current topics in contemporary Japanese society, the course aims to build students’ disciplinary foundation, and deepen their analytical insights into current issues in Japanese society. Topics will include social inequality and social change, the racial, ethnic, and gender dynamics of contemporary Japanese society, as well as the social consequences and protest resulting from the earthquake and tsunami of 2011.
Course objectives
The main goal of this seminar is to provide students with a grounding in sociological theory and a good grasp of key aspects of contemporary Japanese society. It is aimed to provide students with a broad base from which to develop their own research interests and projects. The course also aims to foster students’ analytical skills through the reading and discussion of social theory, as well as their ability to develop and present their own argument in written work and oral presentations.
Timetable
Check timetable
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Course Load
Total course 10 ects = 280 hours
Hours spent on attending lectures and seminars (2 hours per week x 12 weeks = 24 hours)
Time for studying the compulsory literature (8 hours x 12 weeks = 96 hours)
Time needed to prepare for presentation and other assignments, to conduct research and write papers: 160 hours)
Assessment method
Participation element (including attendance, weekly webpostings and presentation): 35%
Analytic element (position paper): 25%
Research element (research essay 4,000 words): 40%
All course elements must be completed successfully to receive a passing grade for the course. There is no resit for the participation element. All papers will have a second deadline, which will serve as a resit.
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. ### Reading list
See Blackboard
Registration
Registration through uSis
Contact
Email: Dr. A. Ezawa