Module manager: Alex Rotard
Email: a.p.rotard@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
EAST1270 and EAST1271
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module introduces the students to key terms and developments in modern Japanese history, and in contemporary Japanese society and culture. The aim is to critique the common stereotypical conceptions of a monolithic and unchanging ‘Japan’ and ‘Japaneseness’ by exploring the rich dynamics of political, social and cultural change. Students will learn about major challenges experienced by Japan and the Japanese since the Meiji period up to the present day.
This module aims to:
• Introduce students to major features and developments in Modern Japanese history, politics, society, culture;
• Introduce some of the important academic debates about the history, politics, society and culture of Japan;
• Develop students’ ability to evaluate and engage critically with scholarship and sources on Japanese history, society and culture and to craft arguments in response.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of key names, terms, and developments in Japanese cultural, social and political history.
2. demonstrate a broad understanding of the major political and social changes and challenges in modern and contemporary Japan
3. engage with academic debates in the field of Japan’s history, society and culture;
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
4. identify and analyse arguments in scholarly literature, evaluating their credibility, and develop own position in response
5. analyse primary sources, using them critically as evidence to support own arguments
6. communicate ideas concisely and coherently in writing
7. manage time effectively
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 171 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 29 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students are monitored and provided with feedback through:
- engagement with discussions in seminars and lecture classes
- group-work and mini-presentations in seminars (non-assessed)
- engagement with activities (Q&A, knowledge checks) during lectures
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1,000 words | 50 |
| Online Assessment | 2 hrs | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 1/7/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team