Japanese Civilization 3600-7-JA1-CJ1.1

The main thread of this lecture is the political history of Japan, from the prehistory till the end of WW II. We are going to present cultural causes of rising and falling of political systems, to show their characteristics, and influence on the political/cultural shape Japan. The lecture will be given in the chronological order.

The main problems will be:

- a way to the creation of a unified Japanese state; the process of rise and fall of the emperor system; the role of aristocracy in the state (periods: jōmon 11,000 years ago till 300 B.C.; yayoi 4th century B.C. till 3rd century; kofun 3rd – 8th centuries; Nara 710-194 and Heian 794-1192).

- the rise of warrior class; the rule of samurais – the rise and fall; cross-cultural relations and Japanese identity (periods: Kamakura 1192-1333; Muromachi 1333-1573; Azuchi-Momoyama 1573-1603; Edo 1603-1868).

Course coordinators

Jędrzej Greń

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The course aims to acquaint students with fundamental aspects of Japanese culture, literature, history, religion, philosophy, art, and aesthetics. Knowledge is presented through an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between the natural environment, history, sociocultural transformations, and the most important achievements of Japanese civilization. The course is delivered as a four-semester module, and students achieve all learning outcomes by completing the entire module.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: The graduate knows and understands

K_W04 at an advanced level the influence and role of historical processes, religions, and philosophical systems of Japan on contemporary conditions

K_W07 the influence of the natural and economic environment, international relations, and the ethnic, demographic, and political situation on the social and cultural issues of Japan from a historical and contemporary perspective

K_W10 at an advanced level the methods of analysis and interpretation of various cultural products characteristic of Japan's indigenous traditions

Skills: The graduate is able to

K_U03 correctly situate Japan in the context of its natural, geopolitical, and economic conditions

Social competences: The graduate is ready to

K_K02 explore cultural diversity and its sources and significance for the contemporary world

K_K03 reflect on the place and significance of Japanese culture in global culture

K_K05 recognize the socio-cultural values of Japan, which they can draw on for personal development and effective intercultural communication

Assessment criteria

- result of the written grade exam (semester cycle)

- attendance control (possible 2 unexcused absences)

Practical placement

n/a

Bibliography

The Cambridge History of Japan, vol. I-VII, Cambridge 1988-1999

M. Kanert, Starożytna Japonia (Ancient Japan), WUJ, Kraków 2006

E. Pałasz-Rutkowska, K. Starecka, Japonia, Warszawa 2004

E. Pałasz-Rutkowska, Dzieje kultury japońskiej, Warszawa 2023.

C. Totman, Historia Japonii (History of Japan), Krakow 2010

J. Tubielewicz, Historia Japonii, Wrocław 1984

P. Varley, Kultura japońska (Japanese Culture), Kraków 2006

J. W. Hall, Japonia (Japan), Warszawa 1979

J. Mendyk, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), ed. E. Pałasz-Rutkowska, TRIO, Warszawa 2009

J. Tubielewicz, Od mitu do historii (From a myth to the history), TRIO, Warszawa 2006

S. Turnbull, Samuraje (Samurai), Arkady, Warszawa 2007

and others