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    Overview

    An introduction to traditional Japanese culture and society.

    Get to know the traditional roots of modern Japanese culture - from anime to Zen. All lectures and readings are offered in English; texts in Japanese are optional.

    Note: This paper is also offered as JAPA 342; the content of the paper is the same for both JAPA 242 and JAPA 342, but assessment is differentiated between the two levels: students taking this paper at the more advanced level are asked to produce a longer research essay (3,000 rather than 2,000 words).

    About this paper

    Paper title Understanding Japanese Culture
    Subject Japanese
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    36 points
    Restriction
    JAPA 221, JAPA 342
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Notes
    This paper is offered in English; texts in Japanese are optional.
    Eligibility
    Suitable for students specialising in any discipline. This paper is taught in English. No knowledge of the Japanese language is required.
    Contact
    languages@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Associate Professor Roy Starrs
    Paper Structure

    Taking a historical and multi-disciplinary approach, JAPA 242/342 aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of traditional Japanese culture by critical analysis of its roots: the ancient religious, literary, artistic, social and political traditions that influence the way Japanese people think and live today. Whereas our other major culture paper, JAPA 243/343 Issues in Japanese Culture Today, focuses almost exclusively on contemporary Japanese culture, JAPA 242/342 will focus more on the traditional culture, but always with an eye on how the past continues to live in the present.

    Teaching Arrangements
    Lectures and seminar-style discussions.
    Textbooks
    The course readings on Japanese culture will be made available on the course BB (Blackboard) site.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    By reading the texts, participating in lectures and seminar-style discussions and completing the required assignments, students will gain:

    • An in-depth understanding of traditional Japanese culture by critical analysis of its roots: its ancient religious, literary, artistic, social and political traditions
    • An in-depth understanding of the many respects in which this traditional Japanese culture continues to influence the way Japanese people think and live today
    • A capacity for research on and critical analysis of traditional Japanese culture

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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