JPNS3021: Critical Methods for the Study of Japanese Literature and History

• Japanese Language 2B (JPNS2012), Japanese Language 2A (JPNS2161), Stage 4 Japanese (MLAN 1471) or equivalent (JLPT N2 above)

• Japanese Language 4 (JPNS3012)

• None

• To introduce students to advanced concepts and methodologies in literary and historical studies and their potential for reshaping scholarship on Japan.
• To develop higher-level language skills for reading contemporary scholarship in Japanese.

• The module will use a combination of texts in English and Japanese to acquaint students with critical research questions and debates relevant to the study of Japan.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Knowledge of key concepts, debates, and methodologies in scholarship on Japanese literature and history, and the cultural, social, and political contexts framing the emergence of these concepts, debates, and methodologies
• Basic familiarity with the common vocabulary and rhetorical styles of Japanese academic writing
• Informed insight into the new directions scholarship on Japan might take

Subject-specific Skills:

• The ability to understand and critically analyse scholarship on Japanese literature and history in relation to the evolution of both Japanese Studies and the disciplines of literary studies and history.
• Ability to read high level texts for content comprehension purposes and appreciate their significance at different levels
• Ability to read academic Japanese fluently and efficiently

Key Skills:

• A deep familiarity with the conceptual paradigms that have shaped humanities scholarship
• Ability to carry out self-directed study and present the results both orally and in writing

• Language classes and seminars; students will be expected to read both Japanese texts and background material out of class.
• Assessment will be a mixture of summative essays and a written examination.
• Each summative essay is based on topics covered during the Michaelmas Term and the Epiphany Term, allowing students the opportunity to critically reflect on ideas and key concepts, and discuss a range of subject-specific issues.
• The examination covers work carried out throughout the year, while assessing students' ability to work under pressure and to prepare for examinations with time management skills.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.