This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)
Module JPNS1041: Introduction to Japanese Culture through Masterpieces
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Japanese)
JPNS1041: Introduction to Japanese Culture through Masterpieces
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 1 | 20 | Available in 2017/2018 | 30 | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
Aims
- To introduce students to key aspects of Japanese culture and society.
- To help students engage with their topics through critical approaches and analyse the contribution of Japanese culture in a global context.
- To encourage students to acquire critical modes of enquiry.
Content
- Through the chosen masterpieces, this module will introduce students to major aspects of Japanese culture (including arts/performing arts, literature, religion, thought, film, and popular culture), along with general understanding of Japanese society.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- By the end of the module students will have:
- developed a basic understanding of Japanese culture, while demonstrating critical and comparative approaches to features of Japanese culture and society.
Subject-specific Skills
- By the end of the module students will:
- have gained the ability to contextualise, critically engage with, and effectively analyse key elements in Japanese culture.
- be able to relate developments and issues in contemporary Japan to their cultural and social context.
Key Skills
- By the end of this module students will:
- have improved written and oral communication skills.
- develop the ability to work independently, with effective reading and research skills.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The module will be taught intensively in Term 1 or Terms 2/3 on a 'short-fat' basis
- This module is taught by means of twice weekly lectures, which will deliver key information on the module, and weekly seminars with smaller groups will allow for active discussion..
- The module will be taught in English and assessed in English.
- Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars, prepare themselves for classes and to participate actively in discussions.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | Twice weekly | 1 Hour | 20 | Yes |
| Seminars | 10 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 10 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 170 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commentary/Essay 1 | 40% | Commentary/Essay 1 | 1500 words | 100% | Yes |
| Essay 2 | 60% | Essay 2 | 2500 words | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment
Oral feedback on seminar presentations.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.