Module JPNS2171: Exploring Japanese Culture

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Japanese)

JPNS2171: Exploring Japanese Culture

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To develop students’ understanding of Japanese culture.
• To enhance their ability to analyse literary texts and visual culture using appropriate critical tools.
• To develop their research and writing skills.

Content

• The module examines a selection of literary and visual texts produced in Japan in relation to their historical, social and cultural contexts. It engages with a range of issues such as national and cultural identities; gender identities; modernization and social change; the representation of history and memory; and influences on and from Western cultures. Although there is no formal pre-requisite, this module will build on the content of JPNS1041 (Introduction to Japanese Culture through Masterpieces).

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module students will have developed an expanded understanding of selected areas of Japanese culture.

• By the end of this module students should have improved skills in the critical analysis of cultural production and the application of appropriate critical methods.

• By the end of this module students should have enhanced research, communication and argumentation skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is taught and assessed in English. English translations of required reading in Japanese will be available.
• The module will be taught intensively as a ‘short-fat’ module in term 1 or term 2. The lectures (2 per week) provide key contextual information and guidance on critical approaches, while the weekly seminars require students to be more actively involved in discussion, teamwork and presentations.
• Summative assessment consists of coursework, in order to foster independent research-led learning. The weighting of the first assignment as 40% and the second as 60% provides an element of progression, reinforcing the benefit gained from feedback on the first assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Seminar presentations on which feedback will be given.

■ 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