COURSE NUMBER: JPN 105


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JPN 105

I. TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE CULTURE

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: A survey of contemporary Japanese character and society. History, attitudes, hievements, institutions and life styles of the Japanese people are explored. Conducted in English.

III. PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of a different cultural group in order to liberate oneself from a limited perspective on life based on knowledge of only one culture. Students will heighten their awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity in general.

The course will also
A. encourage independent thought and effective expression in oral and written communication.

1. Students make a group presentation in which each student must participate in the oral performance and express individual ideas effectively to the class.
2. Students write a film report of 2-3 pages in length and a research paper of 5-6 pages in length in which they are expected to analyze a topic and effectively communicate their own ideas.

B. encourage the use of technology in research and presentation.

Students use the Internet to explore the topic of their term research paper and to access information for other assignments.

C. foster understanding of Japan’s history and literary, artistic, and philosophical traditions including

1. a historical background of Japan and her neighboring countries.
2. early Japanese literature, such as Manyosyu and The Tale of Genji.
3. Japanese gardens and tea ceremony and the philosophical ideas behind these art forms which are related to Zen Buddhism.
4. the Japanese performing arts, Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku.

D. teach the dynamics of cultural diversity, of competing economic and political systems, and of complex moral and ethical issues:

1. Students explore the similarities and differences between United States and Japanese cultures. International students are invited to participate in the exploration of cultural diversity in the international community.
2. Students focus on the two historical events, Meiji Restoration (when the policy of self- seclusion was lifted) and World War II in order to understand modern Japanes economic and political systems.
3. The class discusses the circumstances and ethics of dropping the atomic bomb on the two Japanese cities. Japanese moral and ethical attitudes toward suicide,
drunkenness, and sexuality are also discussed.

E. encourage responsible citizenship and pursuit of an active role in a democratic society through

1. exploration of Japanese group-oriented culture, which places more emphasis on the well-being of the community or society than that of the individual.
2. exploration of the traditional Japanese attitude toward the environment which emphasizes that nature is not to be conquered but understood and accommodated.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
There are two major objectives of the course: (1) to understand the culture of Japan and (2) to encourage understanding and appreciation of other cultures in general.

At the end of the course students will:
1. understand Japanese culture in its geographical, historical, social, psychological, political, economic, and artistic dimensions.
2. understand Japanese cultural values and have developed an awareness of them.
3. have gained knowledge of the cultural similarities and differences between Japanese culture and North American culture.
4. understand the issues that affect relations between Japan and the United States.
5. be able to apply their knowledge of cultural differences to building better relationships with people from other cultures.
6. by extrapolation gain a better understanding of their own culture.

A. The course will introduce students to fundamental concepts and ways of thinking in the discipline of cultural studies

by investigating Japanese history, geography, political social systems and thus the values, behavioral characteristics, and achievements of its people.

B. promote interdisciplinary understanding by clarifying how the study of cultures contributes to an understanding of other societies and one’s own society

1. through lectures and group discussions on cultural case studies, exploring authentic materials such as recent Japanese TV commercials and magazines, examining actual Japanese organizational documents, listening to pre-recorded NPR programs, and watching selected videos with video guides.
2. by comparing, and contrasting Japanese culture with that of the United States in the context of intercultural communication theory.

V. CONTENT OUTLINE: Course content will include information on geography, history, traditions, institutions, business, economy, science and technology, politics, psychology, literature and the arts, and lifestyle.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Students will read a variety of assigned texts, engage in research, listen to lectures, see videotapes and movies, make presentations, discuss as a class and in small groups, and examine authentic materials. Assignments will include oral reports and a research paper. They will discuss and analyze Japanese culture and will compare it to their own culture. Late assignments cannot be accepted except by prior arrangement. No credit can be given for assignments turned in late.

The course will
A. promote student engagement in and responsibility for learning through active learning methodologies:

1. group discussions students regularly form groups of 4-5 members to discuss cultural case studies, questions in the video guide, radio news programs, and a group project.
2. students prepare group presentations.
3. small group projects students work in groups to plan and deliver an oral group presentation; the group members evaluate one another after the presentation.

B. require a significant amount of reading (textbook, case study materials, Internet, research material), writing (a film report, a term research paper, summary of an individual part of the group presentation), speaking (group student discussions, class participation, oral presentation), critical thinking (conceptualizing the effects of geography and history on a particular culture by using Japan as a case study, analyzing the differences and similarities between Japanese and US cultures and among other cultures based on intercultural studies theory, understanding different view points on religious and moral issues)

C. promote the use of computer technology through term paper research using the World Wide Web and the Internet.

VII. FIELD, CLINICAL EXPERIENCES: Students must view one video outside of class at the Media Center and attend a related cultural event.

VIII. RESOURCES: Documents on reserve at Waterfield Library.

IX. GRADING PROCEDURES:
      15% Class Participation (Class Attendance)
        5% Quiz
        5% Video Report (2-3 pages)
      10% Group Presentation
      10% Research Paper (5-6 pages)
      15% Exam I
      20% Exam II
      20% Exam III
Exams will be in the form of multiple choice, word identification, short answer, essays. Tests will carry a heavy essay component including analytical essay questions.   A study-guide will be given for exam preparation.
Neither late papers nor absence from an exam will be accepted without prior notification of the instructor or medical justification.

X. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
      Regular attendance is REQUIRED. Read the assigned chapter and be prepared to
      offer observations, opinions, questions, and criticism. One point will be deducted
      from your attendance grade for each unexcused absence. After two unexcused
      absences, the course grade will be lowered 1/3 of a letter grade for each unexcused
      absence. Absence from 1/4 of the class meetings for any reason will result in a grade of E.

XI. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
1. It is the responsibility of every student to be informed about the collegiate Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating in whatever form constitutes academic dishonesty.
2. Copies of the policy are available in:
      CIV workbook
      Classroom bulletin board
      Department of Foreign Languages Office
      Dean of Humanistic Studies Office
      College of Humanistic Studies Homepage
3. Your signature on every assignment, quiz or exam represents a pledge that you have adhered to this policy.

XII. TEXT AND REFERENCES:
Edwin O. Reischauer & Marius B. Jansen. The Japanese Today: Change and Continuity. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1995

XIII. PREREQUISITES: No prerequisite.

Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo