JAP4550 – Topics in Japanese studies: society and politics
Course description
Course content
This course introduces you to aspects of contemporary society and/or politics through academic readings in English and Japanese, as well as primary sources in Japanese. This course is closely related to ongoing research, and its concrete focus will vary from year to year. Rather than passively receiving existing knowledge, you will be able to join the teacher in exploring new perspectives.?
Learning outcome
In principle, this course uses both Japanese- and English-language materials.?
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You will critically read English-language articles, both on broader, theoretical issues and on Japanese cases.??
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You will practice reading and translating Japanese texts of a variety of genres, and improve your skills in using Japanese materials for your own writing.?
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You will discuss and debate primary and secondary sources.?
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You will learn to synthesize theories and data and find new insights and perspectives.??
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You will improve your academic writing skills by means of an essay, in which you are expected to integrate different theoretical perspectives, relating your findings to relevant academic debates.?
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You will also practice your presentation skills, and gain practice in conveying your thoughts orally.?
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester?register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.They will be given additional readings and assignments to make up for the fact that they cannot read the Japanese texts.?
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with JAP4530 – Topics in Japanese Society and Politics.
- 5 credits overlap with JAP4515 – Contemporary Japanese Culture and Society.
Teaching
The course consists of 10 classes of 3 hours each. Students are expected to come prepared and to participate actively in discussions.?
Compulsory activities?
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Attendance at 8 out of 10 classes?
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A one-page paper proposal and a bibliography?
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Presenting readings in class?
All the compulsory activities are only valid for one semester. The compulsory activities must be approved in order to qualify for the examination. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of any absence from class, and to check whether or not the compulsory activities are approved.?
All compulsory activities must be approved to qualify for the exam. It is your responsibility to verify that you have obtained approval for all compulsory activities.?
Absence from compulsory activities:?
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules regarding absence from compulsory activities, to prevent being excluded from teaching and losing your eligibility to take the exam.?
More information on compulsory activities at the University of Oslo:?
Examination
The exam is a 10-page paper (2300 characters per page, excluding spacing) on a topic of your own choice, subject to prior approval by the teacher.?
Language of examination
You can write in English or a Scandinavian language.?
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.?
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.