Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject provides a basic introduction to Japanese society. After considering some of the most powerful stereotypes of Japanese society, the subject provides a comprehensive framework for conceptualising Japanese society. It then considers basic institutions (the education system, political culture, the family, and the organisation of work). The subject is capped with a brief introduction to a number of social issues confronting contemporary Japan. Reference is made throughout to major themes dominating intellectual discussion in postwar Japan: democratisation, modernisation, postmodernism, internationalisation and nationalism. Students who have not studied this subject at the undergraduate level are required to attend two additional hours of undergraduate lectures per week.
Assessment Book review (2000 words): 25% + Paper (5000 words): 50% + Seminar presentation (2000 words): 25%