JAP4515 – Contemporary Japanese Culture and Society
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The Heisei period has given way to the Reiwa period, and Japan is standing at a crossroads. The social structures that contributed to the post-war economic miracle (e.g. life-time employment and the competitive education system) have lost their self-evidence, and growth has long stagnated. Contemporary Japan has been characterised as a "post-growth society". It faces challenges such as a rapidly ageing population, ongoing rural decline, far-reaching gender inequality, and serious environmental problems. The authorities appear unable to solve these problems, and political participation is low. Popular myths about Japanese society as homogeneous and egalitarian are challenged by scholars and activists, yet remain popular.
Despite these challenges, Japan continues to be an important player internationally, both politically and economically. Japanese popular culture has spread throughout the world, and the "Cool Japan" brand remains strong. Meanwhile, authorities and local actors actively seek to revitalise "traditional culture" and "national heritage" in a bid to promote tourism and prevent depopulation. The disasters of 2011 and the pandemic of 2020-2022 have caused serious crises, but they have also given way to new types of social activism, community outreach, and environmental advocacy.
This is a research-based course that requires active participation from all students. Each semester, we focus on one overarching topic, which is approached from various theoretical and thematic angles. This topic serves as a prism for the study of contemporary Japanese culture and society.?
In previous years, these topics were "The Production of Heritage in Contemporary Japan", "Multispecies Japan", "Japan in the Anthropocene", "Coastal Communities in Contemporary Japan: Coping with Social and Environmental Change", "Food, Sociality, and Power", and "Popular Culture: From Godzilla of Post-War Japan to Rilakkuma of Precarious Japan."
In the autumn of 2023, the overarching course topic will be "Indigenous Minorities in Contemporary Japan." We will study the histories, cultures, and present-day situations of two Indigenous minorities: Ainu and Uchinānchu (Okinawans). Themes that will be explored include modern colonialism, Indigenous rights, language revitalisation, environmental pollution, memory and historical trauma, gender issues, tourism and heritage politics, Indigenous religion, and transnational activism. We will read a selection of academic texts on Ainu and Okinawan cases, as well as texts written by Ainu and Uchinānchu authors. The course has a comparative and transnational focus, so we will also read some theoretical texts on Indigeneity that focus on other geographical contexts.
At the end of the semester, students will each give a presentation and write a 10-page paper about a case study of their own choice.
Learning outcome
In principle, this course uses both Japanese- and English-language materials.
- You will practice reading and translating Japanese texts of a variety of genres, and improve your skills in using Japanese materials for your own writing.
- You will critically read English-language articles, both on broader, theoretical issues and on Japanese cases.
- You will be asked to reflect upon these readings and learn how to apply them, in written texts as well as oral presentations and discussions.
- You will improve your academic writing skills by means of an essay, in which you are expected to integrate different theoretical perspectives, relating your findings to relevant academic debates.
- You will also practice your presentation skills, and learn to present your research orally.
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 Japan Studies.
Students enrolled in other MA programs (e.g., social anthropology, environmental studies, or Chinese studies) who do not master Japanese may request admission to this course if it is relevant for their studies. They will be given additional readings and assignments to make up for the fact that they cannot read the Japanese texts.
Teaching
The course consists of 10 classes of 3 hours each. Students are expected to be prepared to classes and to participate actively in discussion.
Compulsory activities
- Attendance to at least 8 of 10 classes
- A one-page reflection paper on the readings
- A one-page paper proposal
- Presentation on your topic
The reflection paper and the paper proposal must be submitted in Canvas within a given deadline. Attendance, reflection paper, research proposal, and presentation is only valid for one semester. All obligatory activities must be approved in order to qualify for the exam. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of any absence from class, and 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 10-page paper (2300 characters per page, excluding spacing) on a topic of your own choice, subject to prior approval by the teacher.
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.