JAPA108-21S2 (C) Semester Two 2021

Introduction to Japanese Culture

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 19 July 2021
End Date: Sunday, 14 November 2021
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 1 August 2021
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 1 October 2021

Description

A survey course which covers selected topics of Japan's society, geography, institutions, religion, arts, culture and thought.

This course introduces the main cultural characteristics of Japan. Topics covered include a general introduction and then a particularised study of Japan's history, land and people, regional cultural variety, indigenous peoples, myths, religions, belief-systems, aesthetics, youth culture, anime, literature, film and performing arts.

No previous knowledge of the Japanese language is required.

Learning Outcomes

JAPA108 is a requirement for those intending to major in Japanese and important for those intending to have contact with Japan.

By the end of the course students should have:
- a familiarity with key cultural and historical developments in Japan from early times to the present day;
- knowledge of basic facts about Japan;
- knowledge of aspects of Japanese culture and major art forms, as well as their underlying aesthetic principles;
- an understanding of the influence of global conditions on Japan and competence in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts;
- a familiarity with cultural beliefs and values in Japan, which in turn will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultures other than your own;
- a familiarity with ethnic diversity and indigenous cultures in Japan, which will in turn heighten awareness and understanding of the cultural landscape and biculturalism in Aotearoa NZ;
- basic skills in research, analysis and essay writing – key skills that are sought by employers and can be used in a range of applications.

In addition, for students majoring in Japanese, this course will provide you with:
- vital knowledge on Japan to underpin your language studies and enable you to critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply to Japan-related topics/issues. This in turn will enhance your opportunities for a successful career.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

Employable, innovative and enterprising

Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.

Biculturally competent and confident

Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.

Globally aware

Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Susan Bouterey

Guest Lecturers: Assoc-Prof. Richard Bullen, Assoc-Prof. Alistair Swale, Dr Rachel Payne.

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Quiz 8%
Essay Proposal 8%
Written Test 1 22%
Essay 30%
Written Test 2 32%

Textbooks / Resources

There is no textbook for this course
Handouts and reading lists will be provided as necessary. Students are expected to read and refer to these as instructed. Other materials, including lecture power points, will be available on Learn.

Other material, which may be helpful, can be found at the Library Subject Guide for Japanese

Information about the Japanese Programme, including degree requirements, can be found at: www.arts.canterbury.ac.nz/japanese/

Course links

Library portal
LEARN The Course Outline is available for enrolled students on LEARN.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $785.00

International fee $3,500.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .

All JAPA108 Occurrences

  • JAPA108-21S2 (C) Semester Two 2021