Contemporary Japan - selected issues 3600-JA-WJWZ-OW
The course offers an analysis of the institutional and socioeconomic transformation, as well as the international standing of Japan during the Heisei (1989–2019) and Reiwa (2019–present) eras. Students expand their knowledge on selected topics through the study of relevant literature, analyze primary sources, deliver presentations, and actively participate in academic discussions. Proposed topics for discussion include issues such as shifts on the domestic political scene, the evolution of social policy in the context of an aging society, approaches to national and human security, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Japan's relations with the countries of the East Asian region.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Alumnus:
- has in-depth and detailed knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) in studies on literature or language or culture and religion [K_W01]
- has extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the cultures of the Orient or Africa (within the scope of culture and literature or language or culture and religion issues) in a comparative perspective [K_W02]
- has extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the culture of Japan(within the scope of culture and literature or language and religion or history and socio-political issues) [K_W03]
- has detailed knowledge pertaining to the state of research on chosen issues related to Japan as well as in-depth knowledge of research centers in Poland and all over the world [K_W05]
- knows and understands methods of advanced analysis and interpretation of various products of Japanese culture, which are relevant for selected traditions, theories and research schools within the scope of studies on literature, language, culture and religion [K_W06]
- demonstrates a good knowledge of contemporary cultural life of Japan
Skills
Alumnus:
- can indicate sources of cultural differences between different regions of the Orient or Africa, also on the basis of source materials [KU_02]
- can use the terminology from the domain of religion of Japan to analyze and interpret religious phenomena, ethical motives and social behavior, as well as cultural differences [KU_06]
- can analyze relationship between the development of philosophical and religious ideas in Japan as well as social, cultural and economic processes [KU_07]
- can compare and thoroughly analyze interrelations between selected literary texts and other works of culture (film, press, social writing) of Japan, and the issues of tradition and modernity [K_U09]
- can carry out a critical analysis and interpretation of different products of culture of Japan appropriate to a selected tradition, theory and research schools within the scope of studies on literature, language, culture and religion employing a unique attitude of Oriental studies [K_U10]
Competences
Alumnus:
- have awareness of the differences stemming from cultural, religious and philosophical variety and their influence on shaping social and political attitudes as well as economic processes [K_K06]
- understand responsibility and ethical issues that come with imparting knowledge of Japan [K_K07]
Assessment criteria
- regular preparation for classes and active contribution to class discussions,
- presentation on a selected topic (consultee with and approved by the instructor in advance),
- mandatory attendance is required
- optional oral exam is available for students wishing to raise their final grade by a maximum of one full grade (to be eligible, students must have already achieved a passing grade for both the presentation and class participation)
Bibliography
Source materials will depend on the topics chosen for research and discussion.