Global Japan Studies
Course Description
Global Japan Studies gives students a broad understanding of Japan's history, culture, society, and more. This course aims to deepen students' knowledge of Japan's role in the world.
A key goal of this course is to help students grasp Japan's current challenges and think about future solutions. With Japan becoming more involved globally, this understanding is crucial. The course provides wide-ranging knowledge and skills to prepare students for international engagement and leadership.
Students will explore Japan through English texts, news, and media, learning about its modern aspects through facts, theories, and case studies. This approach helps students fully understand Japan and its global significance.
The course also has practical benefits. It's ideal for those planning to visit or live in Japan, or for those living there who wish to know more about the country. It's useful for aspiring English or Japanese teachers, or those interested in Japan's hospitality sector. The course equips students with cultural insights and skills needed for these roles.
The course offers an insightful look at Japan, preparing students for global citizenship and leadership in today's world.
Classes
Syllabas
Week1Time
Introduction to Global Japan Studies
What is Global Japan Studies?
Course overview and key terms
What is a 'global perspective' on Japan Studies?
Week2Time
History of Japan: Prehistoric, Ancient, Classical, Feudal
Explore the pre-modern history of Japan, focusing on its interactions with the rest of the world.
Activity: Japan's Global History
Week3Time
History: Early Modern and Modern
Explore the early modern and modern periods of Japan, focusing on how its interactions with the rest of the world.shaped its history including its rise as a global power.
Activity: Japan's Global History
Week4Time
[ON-DEMAND CLASS] Philosophy: The Japanese Mind
What makes a person ‘Japanese’?
What are some of the differences between Japanese and people from other countries?
What does it mean to be Japanese outside of Japan?
Week5Time
Politics: Government, Political Participation, Women Leaders
What is the Japanese political system?
Why does politics matter?
How can women be great leaders?
Week6Time
Economics: Japanese Economic Miracle
How did Japan achieve its economic miracle?
Why was Japan's economic miracle admired around the world?
What was life like in bubble era Japan?
Week7Time
Economics: The Future for Young People in Japan
What happened after the economic miracle?
What does the future hold for young people in Japan?
Week8Time
[ON-DEMAND CLASS] Society: Rich Japan, Poor Japan
Where is the ‘hidden’ poverty in Japan?
How do people become rich in Japan?
Week9Time
Society: Women in Japan
What does it mean to be a Japanese woman today?
How can literature help us to understand Japanese women?
How can having a global mindset help the lives of Japanese women?
ek10Time
Society: Ageing Japan
Why does Japan have an ageing population?
What challenges are associated with an ageing population?
How can we make life better for older people in Japan?
Week11Time
Society: Diversity in Japan
Who are Japan's minority communities?
What lives do minority communities in Japan have?
Is Japan embracing diversity?
Week12Time
[ON-DEMAND CLASS] Society: Social Issues
What are Japan's main social issues?
How can we help hikikomori (social recluses)?
Week13Time
Culture: Advertising Japan
How does Japan advertise itself?
Activity: Which tourism model should Japan follow?
Week14Time
Culture: Japanese Popular Culture
What is Japanese popular culture?
Who is winning the popular culture war in East Asia?
Week15Time
[ON-DEMAND CLASS] Culture: Traditional Japanese Culture
What is traditional Japanese culture?
Why should we save traditional Japanese culture?