EAS205   Contemporary Japanese Society   (20 credits)

Description

The module aims at deepening students' understanding of contemporary Japanese society in its complexity and diversity. This will be done by introducing, describing and analysing crucial socio-economic and political phenomena which have had a bearing on shaping post-war Japanese society. By the end of the module students will be able to 1) demonstrate knowledge of the major themes which have dominated modern Japanese life; namely, war and peace; economism, economic growth and stagnation; and ethnicity and identity; 2) apply conceptual tools to analyse social institutions and patterns of behaviour, on the micro-level, as well as the major socio­political changes and trends, on the macro-level ; 3) Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including the ability to evaluate social science concepts and theories; 4) Employ primary and secondary sources to present reasoned and effective arguments in written and oral form ; 5) Make individual presentations or as part of group work ; 6) Pursue independent Learning ; and 7) show critical judgement.

Reading List