|
The University of Akron World Civilizations: Japan Syllabus - Summer 2002 Dr.
Earl Motz
|
 |
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this course are: (1) to become
familiar with Japan's history and cultural traditions, (2) to examine both
the unique and the universal in the Japanese experience and (3) to develop
an understanding of Japan's aspirations and role in the modern world.
These objectives reflect the content of the course and are meant to give
substance to a final goal (4) to assist students in developing the analytical
skills which will enable them to effectively communicate their knowledge
of Japanese civilization both orally and in writing.
REQUIRED BOOKS:
Reischauer, Edwin O. The Japanese Today: Change
and Continuity Enlarged Edition, Cambridge,
Mass. Harvard University Press, l995.
Duus, Peter Feudalism in Japan New York,
McGraw Hill Inc., l993.
|
GRADING:
The following grade scale
be used: A = 100-93% C = 76-73 A - = 90-92% C- = 70-72% B+ = 87-89% D+ = 67-69% B = 83-86% D = 63-66% B- = 80-82% D- = 60-62% C+ = 77-79% F = below 60% |
 |
Grades for the course will be computed as follows:
Midterm exam = 30% of total grade
Attendance and Discussion = 10% of total grade
Quizzes and Papers = 30% of total grade
Final exam = 30% of total grade
ATTENDANCE AND CLASS
PARTICIPATION:
Students are expected to attend all classes and
to arrive on time. If they incur three (3) or more absences and/or
frequently arrive late, the instructor will lower the final grade by one
full letter. Class participation does not mean attendance.
It means not only asking questions and being prepared for class discussion,
but also sharing information gained from other sources such as newspapers,
magazines, movies, radio and television, and the web.
PLAGIARISM AND/OR
CHEATING ON EXAMS, ETC.:
Such misconduct will be reported to the head
of the department and vigorously prosecuted.
CLASS SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Week One Assignment: Read Reischauer
Chapts. 1-4, pp. 3-51, and Duus Chapt. 2, pp. 13-33.
Lecture and Discussion: Geography, Emergence of Japanese civilization,
Introduction of Buddhism, Borrowing from China, The Nara Period, The Heian
Period.
Week Two Assignment: Read Reischauer
Chapts.5-6, pp.52-77 and Duus Chapts. 3-5 pp.34-98
Lecture and Discussion: Emergence of the Warrior Class, The Ashikaga Shogunate,
TheFeudal Period
The Age of Reunification: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa
Ieyasu.
Week Three Assignment: Read Reischauer
Chapts. 7-11, pp.78-120 and Duus the Epilogue pp. 99-102
Lecture and Discussion: The Meiji Restoration, Rise of Imperialism, World
War II,
The Occupation and Beyond
****** MIDTERM EXAM
THIS WEEK *******
Week Four Assignment: Read
Reischauer Chapt.13 pp.128-139, Chapt. 15 pp.149-158, Chapt.17 pp.175-185,
Chapt.18 pp186-202, Chapt. 19 pp.203-215, and Chapt. 20 pp.216-227.
Lecture and Discussion: Societal Relationships, The Role of Women, Education,
The Role of Religion, and
Mass Culture.
Week Five Assignment:
Read Reischauer Chapts.21and 22 pp.231-244, Chapts.30-33 pp.295-330, Chapt
37
pp.370-380.
Lecture and Discussion: Politics, The Economy, Business and Trade, and
Japan's World Role.
*********FINAL EXAM
LAST WEEK *******