JAPA 240: Introduction to Japanese Culture

JAPA 240-001: Introduction to Japanese Culture
(Spring 2020)

03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR

Aquia Building 213

Section Information for Spring 2020

JAPA 240 - 001: Introduction to Japanese Culture

This introductory survey class covers Japanese history, culture, and society from prehistory until the present day. It is designed to familiarize students with the fundamental aspects of Japanese culture that inform contemporary viewpoints and social issues. Students will learn to identify and understand important people and events as they acquire the skills to read a range of texts and documents within their historical contexts.

In this class we will investigate the concept of "Japanese culture" and how it is created, recreated, and canonized. We will examine various political, economic, and religious systems with our twenty-first century bias, but we will also attempt to imagine how these systems were perceived by the people who created and experienced them. Our understanding of history will be augmented and challenged by our reading of historical documents, religious texts, and works of popular entertainment. The ultimate goal of this course is to provide a foundation of basic knowledge about Japan that will serve as a springboard for future engagement with the nation, its people, and its cultural legacy.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

This introductory survey course covers Japanese history, culture, and society from prehistory until the present day. It is designed to familiarize students with key aspects of Japanese culture that inform contemporary viewpoints and social issues. This class will provide a foundation of basic knowledge about Japan that will serve as a springboard for future engagement with the nation, its people, and its cultural legacy. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.