Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)
Module JPNS1041: Introduction to Japanese Culture through Masterpieces
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Japanese)
JPNS1041: Introduction to Japanese Culture through Masterpieces
Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2019/20 | Module Cap | 30 | Location | Durham |
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Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
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
- Lectures will provide structured delivery of core module content;
- Seminars will enable more active discussion, developing students' skills in critical thinking, discussion and oral presentation;
- The module will be taught and assessed in English;
- Students are expected to attend all lectures ands seminars, prepare appropriately for classes, and to participate actively in discussions.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lectures | 20 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 20 | ■ |
Seminars | 10 | Fortnightly | 1 Hour | 10 | ■ |
Preparation and Reading | 170 | ||||
Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
Component: Commentary/Essay 1 | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
---|---|---|---|
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Commentary/Essay 1 | 1500 words | 100% | Yes |
Component: Essay 2 | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Essay 2 | 2500 words | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment:
Oral feedback on seminar presentations.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University