JNS 220 – 01 MODERN JAPAN
SPRING
TIME: THURSDAY 4:00 – 6:30
LOCATION: 322 MCIVER
INSTRUCTOR: CHIAKI TAKAGI
OFFICE: 334 MCIVER
OFFICE HOURS: M, W, R 3:40 – 4:00 AND BY APPOINTMENT
TELEPHONE: 334-5427
E-MAIL: c_takagi@uncg.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Japanese 220 is a topics oriented Japanese cultural studies course, which focuses on various aspects of modern Japanese society, history, literature and social life. The guiding pedagogical principles behind the course aim at intertwining Japanese civilization, literature and culture studies on the basis of discussion, conversation, and composition activities, including social studies review and retention exercise. The methodology of the course rests on a chronological and historical framework, and aims at developing critical thinking ad reading and writing strategies. Based on thought provoking texts and visuals, the course topics offer a diverse view of modern Japanese life. The reading selections include literary texts, newspaper reports, articles and interdisciplinary materials, which highlight various aspects of postwar and postmodern developments. Part of the reading and writing assignments will involve the use of the Internet and other electronic learning and research tools.
COUSE OUTLINE
The course will cover selected topics as follows;
GN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES/NONWESTERN
JNS 220 focuses on contemporary Japanese civilization. The course provides a survey of modern Japanese culture, and covers selected cultural, historical, social, political, literary and artistic developments. The course examines Japanese civilization not just within the context of modern cultural history, but within a global and nonwestern studies context, which includes gender and minority perspective.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this course, students will be able to write and converse about contemporary Japanese issues and affairs focusing on modern culture and global, nonwestern perspectives.
TEACHING STRATEGIES
The teaching strategies behind this modern Japanese culture course aim at improving students’ cross-cultural interpretation skills through intensive lecture, presentation and discussion oriented session.
TEXTBOOKS
J. Whittier Treat Contemporary
Japan and Popular Culture
K. Ishiguro
An Artist of the Floating World
Additional handouts and a reading list will be provided.
ATTENDANCE
Students are responsible for attending all class sessions and reviewing all materials presented in class, including announcements about course procedures. Homework often includes questions on materials presented only in class. Regular attendance, homework preparation, and active class participation are the most important factors for success in the course. No late works will be accepted without a valid reason.
Since the class meets only once a week, please make all the necessary arrangements to attend. Students cannot miss classes without a valid reason. Missing more than three sessions will result in grade F and /or dismissal from the course. Three late walk-ins will be counted as missing one session. In case of emergency, contact me as soon as you can.
EVALUATION SCHEME
ATTENDANCE / PARTICIPATION 25%
BOOK REPORT 25%
REACTION PAPER 25%
WEB RESEACH PROJECT 25%
BOOK REPORT
Write 3-5 page book report on the assigned reading (An Artist of the Floating World).
Students are expected to give a brief oral presentation in class. With my approval and /or recommendation, students may write on some other book. In any case, all students are required to read the assigned book.
REACTION PAPER
Select an article from the textbook and write 3-5 page reaction paper. In the first paragraph, clearly state which article you chose. Students are expected to give a brief oral presentation in class.
WEB RESEARCH PROJECT
Using Internet, conduct detailed research on a topic of your choice. Your topic must be related to Japan or Japanese culture. Students are required to give 15 – 20 minutes oral presentation in class. Write 3 – 5 page report on which your presentation will be based on. Also, create a list of useful web sites on your topic.