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Japanese History and Culture

This project-based course provides an in-depth exploration of the history and culture of Japan. We begin by analyzing the spiritual, cultural, and artistic foundations of early Japan, with specific focus on Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism, the Samurai, and the Shogunate. The second part of the course examines modernization, imperialism, and militarization from the Meiji Restoration through World War II. We then conclude by exploring the evolution of modern Japan. Specific topics include economic development and globalization, natural disasters and crisis response, environmental concerns and sustainable energy, regional security and nuclear non-proliferation, gender inequality and human rights, and modern Japanese art and culture. The main assessments are three student-led research projects, encompassing the time periods of each module. In addition, a core component of the course utilizes class discussions to analyze primary sources, film productions, and cultural media.

Min-Max Credit Hours: 2.0-2.0