JAP4320 – Modern Japan Through Novels
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course focuses on the study of literary fiction as a window into modern Japanese culture and society. It presents a range of different approaches to examining the relationship between literary texts and their social and political contexts. It explores patterns of literary production and audience reception to reflect on how works of fiction are an expression of the society from which they emerge, but also how they in turn affect that society, contributing to either reinforcing or subverting existing social formations. The course focuses on a close reading of a selection of representative novels by modern and contemporary authors in relation to social, political, economic, and cultural developments in Japan, such as changing gender norms, youth subcultures, environmental challenges, the impact of natural disasters on society, or transformations in workplace cultures.
Learning outcome
- You will gain an understanding of modern and contemporary Japanese culture and society as it is portrayed in literary works, including graphic novels.
- You will learn how to perform a close reading of literary and visual texts and situate them in their social, political, economic, and cultural context.
- You will learn to reflect on how literature reflects and affects society.
- You will develop advanced academic writing and discussion skills.
- You will become familiar with a few core modern Japanese novels.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Please see the admission requirements defined by the programme option Japanese studies.
Teaching
Teaching is given in the form of lectures and seminars (one double lesson a week over 12 weeks).The course is conducted in English. The readings are a combination of English and Japanese.
Compulsory activities
- Attendance and active participation in 10 out of 12 lectures/seminars
- An outline of the final paper with a related list of sources
Approved compulsory activities are valid in the present semester and the two next semesters that the course is given.
All compulsory activities must be approved in order to qualify for the exam. It is the student’s responsibility to check whether or not the compulsory activities are approved.
This is how you apply for valid absence from compulsory activities/compulsory attendance.
Examination
The exam is a term paper of?10 pages ?(2300 characters per page, excluding spacing) on a subject approved by the teacher. The paper should include analysis of a subject based on both Japanese primary sources and English secondary sources.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.