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講義概要/Course description
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This course is a general introduction to Japanese culture and society. First, we will examine research methodologies to Japanese culture. Second, we will cover Japanese cultural elements, including art,skill, cuisine, literature, communication, etc. Third ,we will look at some of the major spiritual elements that have shaped modern Japanese culture and society, including Shinto, Buddhism, syncretism, the Western influences, and Confucianism. Fourth, we will see other elements related to Japanese culture. A variety of films and videos will be introduced. In last two sessions, students are required to make presentation.
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達成目標/Course objectives
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Students will become familiar with many aspects of Japanese culture, deeply influenced by its natural environment, spirituality, and history. This will enhance the understanding of Japanese minds and communications.
Students are expected to explain constructions and variations of Japanese culture.
With the background information students have acquired, they will be able to enjoy their life and studies in Japan.
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履修条件（事前に履修しておくことが望ましい科目など）/Prerequisite
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Not required.
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授業計画/Lecture plan
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1
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| 授業計画/Class |
Introduction （On-demand class) After the course orientation, there will be explanation about the Japanese chronology.
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2
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| 授業計画/Class |
Research Methodologies on Japanese Culture This session focuses on four research methodologies on Japanese Culture. These are 1)Offshoot of Chinese Civilization with a semi-autonomous character, 2)Geographical Determinism, 3)Nihonjinron, 4)Multilayered Model.
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3
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| 授業計画/Class |
The Japanese Sense of the Seasons and Festivals
Japan predominantly occupies the temperate zone.The emphasis on seasonality that permeates every aspect of Japanese culture can be traced to its nature-based Shinto religion and agrarian past. The class will focus on Japanese culture’s impact on major seasonal festivals like Shogatsu or Aki-Matsuri.
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4
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Art and Skill
It is said that some Japanese cutting-edge industrial technologies root from traditional arts and skills. This session will introduce the following notable Japanese arts and skills: Cha-no-Yu, Ikebana, Yakimono, Shodo, Noh& Kyogen, Kabuki, Manga, etc. We will see that the essential constants remain in present-day Japan.
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5
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Cuisine and Diet
Japanese cuisine is universally regarded as the most beautiful. All around the world, Japanese cuisine is appreciated, respected and most of all, enjoyed. Because of its uniqueness, the Japanese government has called for Japan’s culinary culture to be included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This session focuses on how Japanese cuisine and diet have been shaped by the country's climate, geography, and religion.
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6
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| 授業計画/Class |
Language and Literature
Language and literature is the epitome of Japanese way of life and history. There is an increasing interest worldwide in the history, forms and varieties of Japanese language and literature. The class will highlight the diversity of the Japanese language and then study the rich literary traditions from the Tale of Genji , a classic work of the eleventh century by Lady Murasaki, to Norwagian Wood, by Haruki Murakami, the bestselling novel of our time.
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7
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Communication
This session will focus on some communication styles and behavior patterns in Japan. For example, “Chinmoku” (silence). The Japanese are generally tolerant of silence, so much so that it is considered by many to be characteristics of Japanese culture. We will explore its origins and effects.
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8
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Religion: Shinto and Syncretism
Prince Shotoku,a semi-legendary regent of the seventh century, analogically described Shinto as the roots of a tree; imbedded in the very heart of the Japanese people. Shinto forms the bedrock of the multilayered, syncretic religious and philosophical belief system of Japan. This session explains key concepts of Shinto such as “kami,” “jinja,” “harai,”or “misogi.” You will learn how Shinto influences contemporary Japanese life and society.
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9
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| 授業計画/Class |
Buddhism
If Shinto can be thought of as the bedrock of Japanese belief system, Buddhism would be considered the next stratum.For more than 1400 years, Buddhism has influenced Japanese values, ethics, and lifestyle.Especially, zen has had a strong impact on the cultural and aesthetic expression of the Japanese samurai class. We will review the history and influences of Buddhism in Japan.
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10
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Western Influences in the Modern Era
In the mid-nineteenth century, Japan started to become modernized and took the West as their model, changing the old motto of “expel the barbarians” to the new slogan of “rich country, strong military.” We will review the history of the Western Impact on Japan and explore some elements of the influence of the West: Christianity, Americanization, and localization.
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11
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Taoism and Confucianism
Traditions of Chinese origin, in Japan, assumed particular importance during the 6th to 9th centuries and from the Edo period through the early Shōwa period.
We will examine how Taoism and Confucianism have survived in contemporary Japanese society.
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12
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| 授業計画/Class |
Nature and Geography
We will focus on Japanese nature and geography. The main theme is how nature and geography determine Japanese diversified local culture and communities.
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13
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Animal and vegetation
We will deal with animals and vegetations as elements of Japanese culture. We will see how Japanese popular animals such as dogs and cats contribute to development of Japanese spiritualities. |
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14
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| 授業計画/Class |
Students Presentation and Discussion on "Japanese Culture"
Based on their concerns, students are requested to give a presentation on what they have learned about Japanese culture. They are also encouraged to ask questions and provide answers for their peers.
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15
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| 授業計画/Class |
Students Presentation and Discussion on "Japanese Culture"
Based on their concerns, students are requested to give a presentation on what they have learned about Japanese culture. They are also encouraged to ask questions and provide answers for their peers. |
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| 事前学習/Preparation |
Not required. |
| 事後学習/Reviewing |
Review each session's Power Point document |
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授業方法/Method of instruction
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| 区分/Type of Class |
対面授業 / Classes in-person
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| 実施形態/Class Method |
通常型 / regular
補足事項/Supplementary notes
The course will be conducted in English. In each session, the instructor will review the previous session and give a PowerPoint presentation with visuals. Students are required to participate in discussions on the related topics. The course will be face-to-face class except the first session. The first session is on-demand class.
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| 活用される授業方法/Teaching methods used |
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成績評価方法/Evaluation
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| 1 |
平常点 In-class Points
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50%
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Participation & Contribution 50%
Class participation is very important and weekly attendance is expected. Students' comments are counted as attendance and In-class points for evaluation.
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| 2 |
その他 Others
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50%
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Presentation 50%
In class 14 & 15, based on their own concerns, students are required to submit a PowerPoint report on Japanese culture. Students are also required to make comments on other students' reports. I will announce details in class 2.
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教科書/Textbooks
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| | コメント
Comments |
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There is no specific textbook. Handouts are available for the download from the school website.
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参考書/Reference books
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| | 著者名
Author | タイトル
Title | 出版社
Publisher | 出版年
Published year | ISBN | コメント
Comments | |
| 1 |
Roger J. Davies
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Japanese Culture: The Religious and Philosophical Foundations
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Tuttle
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2016
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9784805311639
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This book provides the students with basic knowledge about Japan, Japanese cultural history, religion and the Western influences in the Modern Era.
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| 2 |
Roger J. Davies & Osamu Ikeno
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The Japanese Mind
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Tuttle
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2002
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9780804832953
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The twenty-eight essays offer an informative, accessible look at the values, attitudes, behavior patterns and communication styles of modern Japan.
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| 3 |
Daniel Sosnoski
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Introduction to Japanese Culture
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Tuttle
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1996
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0804820562
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This book presents an overview, through sixty-eight essays, of some of Japan's notable cultural achievements.
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メッセージ/Message
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I will answer any questions and offer consultation via e-mail.
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その他/Others
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The selections from numerous Japanese cultures are based upon my 35-year practical experience in the Japan Foundation, governmental inter-cultural exchange organization.
Class participation is very important and weekly attendance is expected.
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キーワード/Keywords
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Hands-on Experience
culture
religion
history
Japanese mind
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