KUGF Course Guide 2019

10/20

Module 4Japan StudiesSeminar in Japanology(Japanese Budo: An Intro. to Naginata)The most visible vestige of samurai culture remaining in Japan today is budo the traditional martial arts. Considering the tremendous international popularity of martial arts such as Judo and Karate, budo is undoubtedly one of Japan's most successful cultural exports. People around the world practice these arts not only for self-defence or as a sport, but also as a pursuit for spiritual development and enlighten-ment. A relatively unknown traditional Japanese martial art is Naginata. The naginata is a weapon comprising of a wooden shaft approximately 1.2 to 2.4 meters in length with a curved blade (30 to 60 centimetres) attached to the end. It was the principal weapon of foot soldiers from the eleventh until the fifteenth centuries, and was also widely used by warrior-monks. With the onset of peace in the seventeenth century, Naginata became established as a martial art primarily studied by women. It survives today as an exciting sport and budo discipline similar in many ways to kendo, but also retains many distinguishing characteristics.This course will offer the student an insight into the history of the Japanese martial arts with actual hands-on experience. Naginata classes will be conducted in the gym. Each class will commence with a lecture on an important concept in Naginata followed with a practical lesson.2 creditsFall Semester2 creditsFall SemesterJapanese Economy(Topics in Japanese Economy and Discussion)A series of lectures and discussions on the Japanese economy will enable students to understand the economic conditions and policy issues in Japan. Introductory econom-ics (ECON100 level) may be a prerequisite to follow the class. Certain level of English proficiency may be required for discussions. 2 creditsFall SemesterJapanese SocietyThis course introduces students to important issues in contemporary Japanese society. Topics covered include demographic and generational variations; business and the workplace; education; gender and ethnicity; the political system; popular culture; and social control and dissent. Neighborhoods, communities, and rituals will also be covered.Japanese History(Bushido: The Way of the Warrior)The warrior culture of Japan is viewed with fascination by Japanese and non-Japanese alike, and in recent years there has been a distinct resurgence of interest in samurai ethics and philosophy (bushido). In many ways, the reverence of ‘the Way of the warrior’ is glorified nonsense. Some scholars have even described samurai as being no more than ‘valorous butchers’, and beautified notions of samurai morality as being overstated if not totally invented. There is a significant element of truth to this cynical analysis, but I also believe that there are many aspects of samurai culture which can add to our lives today. People around the world are searching for ethical anchors in an age when honour, integrity, bravery,sincerity, and self-sacrifice for the greater good are virtues hidden by thetidal-wave of political scandal, corruption, crime, and greed. Reinterpretations of bushido are seen as one possible moral anchor. In this course I will outline the history and components (both fact and fiction) of the seemingly timeless, and in some ways border-less culture of Japan's samurai warriors.2 creditsFall SemesterJapanese Literature (Survey of Post-1945)This course is a survey of post-1945 Japanese literature. We will study representative works of Japanese literature, literary movements, and genres with the main focus being on how literature is an integral part of society and culture. Classes will include a mixture of lecture, discussion and close readings of selected texts in English.2 creditsFall SemesterJapanese Culture(Modern culture and Post-war History)Japanese Culture (Modern Culture and Post-war History) is a combination lecture that examines Japanese post-war history from the end of WWII to the present day. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the main events and developments of the post-war that include intellectual trends and social movements, material culture, political and economic changes, gender relations, and issues affecting the ordinary person. In our investigation of Japanese post-war history and culture, we will draw on a number of mediums including television, film, manga, and social media. 2 creditsFall SemesterKANSAI UNIVERSITY GLOBAL FRONTIER88