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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Japanese Literature & Film
Module Code JPN1005 (ITS: JA290)
Faculty SALIS School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to Japanese literature, and to bring students to a deeper understanding of its literary and cultural value. The literary texts and films are introduced in their original language and in translation as appropriate. The module prepares students to develop their analytical skills by using Japanese literary texts and films as primary data to identify underlying cultural values and principles. Students will work, individually and as a group, on a range of selected literary texts and films over the duration of the module.

Learning Outcomes

1. Read and analyse Japanese literary texts.
2. Understand cultural and social background of literary texts and films in Japan.
3. Write an analytical essay on a literary text by a Japanese author or on a film by a Japanese film maker.
4. Analyse a Japanese literary text or film in terms of cultural and social norms of Japanese society.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study101No Description
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20561Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorKeisuke JindaiModule TeacherNiamh Kelly
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Assignmentn/a100%Week 1
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

Lectures
The cultural context and presumptions surrounding the creation and the interpretation of literary texts.

Grammatical and idiomatic issues.

The Japanese manner of literary presentation and the Japanese manner of structuring stories.

Literary Japanese as a distinct language form, diverging from spoken Japanese.

Comparison of the experience of reading texts in Japanese and in English translation; the extent to which the Japaneseness of texts can diminished in translation.

The perceived exoticism of Japanese literature and the reality.

Student Participation
Reading Japanese texts in the classroom situation and discussions of the text.

Example Texts
Extracts from novels which provide special insights in Japanese literary language and Japanese writing.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Akutagawa, Ryunosuke: 0, Rashomon and Other Stories,
  • Dazai, Osamu: 0, Setting Sun,
  • Endo, Shusaku: 0, Silence,
  • Kawabata, Yasunari: 0, The Makioka Sisters,
  • Mishima, Yukio: 0, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea,
  • Murakami, Haruki: 0, A Wild Sheep Chase,
  • Naoya, Shiga: 0, The Paper Door and Other Stories,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for JA290