Length of Course: One semester (14 weeks)

 

Classroom Hours Per Week: 4 hours lecture

 

Number of Credits: 3 credits

 

Prerequisite: C+ or higher in English 098. 099 LWA placement or equivalent external score

 

An introduction to the culture and history of Japan, from the early period (Jomon and Yayoi), through the rise of feudalism and the development of a modern state. The emphasis is on gaining an awareness and understanding of contemporary Japanese society by studying its geographical, economic and political context, as well as its historical antecedents. Topics include are, music, literature and language, religion, education, business, international relations and family life.

 

 

Weeks 1 – 2
1. The Prehistory of the Japanese Archipelago
2. The Early State

 

Weeks 3 - 4
3. The Heian Period
4. The Kamakura Period

 

Weeks 5 - 7
5. Muromachi Japan
6. The Formation of the New Order
7. Tokugawa Shogunate

 

Weeks 8 - 10
8. Endings and Beginnings
9. Emergence of Modern Japan
10. Imperial Japan

 

Week 11 - 13
11. Militarism and War
12. The New Japan

 

5 Tests (short answer, short essay questions) 50%
Research Paper/Project 10%
Final Exam (essay questions) 30%
Discussion/class participation 10%

 

Schirokauer, A Brief History of Japanese Civilization, 2 nd Edition

 

SFU: ASC 1XX(3)
UBC: Asia 101(3)
UVic: Paci 100 level (1.5 units)