Module: Perspectives on Japanese Culture

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Perspectives on Japanese Culture
Module Code	JA421 (ITS) / JPN1015 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	SALIS
Module Co-ordinator	Keisuke Jindai
Module Teachers	Lijie Shao, Ryoko Sasamoto, Sakiko Pawlak
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only
Array

Description

The purpose of this module is to enable students to critically examine images and stereotypes of Japan appearing in foreign media and literature. The module will equip students to interrogate literary and audio-visual pieces to achieve a deeper understanding both of Japan and of foreign stereotypes of Japan. Students will report their findings in the written and presentation format. The module will provide a foundation for students to develop their interests more fully in subsequent work.

Learning Outcomes

1. To demonstrate an ability to identify and investigate topical issues in contemporary Japanese Society relevant to the area of own expertis
2. To demonstrate an ability to evaluate how these issues are portrayed in Japanese and Western media.
3. To demonstrate an ability to lead and contribute to an advanced discussion on the topic in the target language
4. To demonstrate research capabilities in the topic in the target language.
5. To demonstrate sustained engagement

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Synchronous sessions
Directed learning	15	Homework, completion of worksheets
Portfolio Preparation	68	Portfolio (Voice-Thread or in-class presentation, poster, short essay)
Assignment Completion	20	Weekly Reflective Journal
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
The module introduces contemporary topics about Japanese culture and society (e.g., Japanese culinary culture, work culture, gender, Manga) through both Japanese and international perspectives. Students are expected to analyze relevant texts, work on a range of group/ individual activities to deepen their understanding, exchange and form ideas in discussions, conduct further research, and present their findings. Assessment is 100% continuous assessment.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Portfolio	n/a	75%	n/a
Reflective journal	n/a	25%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Yoshio Sugimoto: 1997, An Introduction to Japanese Society, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England,
R. Mouer and Y. Sugimoto: 1980, Images of Japanese Society, Kegan Paul,
P.Dale: 1988, The Myth of Japanese Uniqueness,
Buruma Ian: 1984, A Japanese Mirror: Heroes and Villains of Japanese Culture, Jonathan Cape, London,

Other Resources

None