授業の概要（ねらい）

　The broad topic of this class will be "A History of Japan: Japan and the World". During this semester, we will talk about the history of Japan from Antiquity till 1905. This class will be intended for students who have no prior knowledge of Japanese history. We will try to help the foreign students to understand the historical background of today's Japanese society.
　Every week, after having read together a passage of a book, we will talk about the main historical facts of the weekly topic. A presentation about one of the topics addressed in class will be asked to the students.
The students will be advised to follow this class during the second semester as well. The second semester's class will be about the history of Japan during the twentieth century.

授業の到達目標

　①Grasping the flow of Japanese history through the basic knowledge of the main historical facts.
　②Understanding Japanese history as a dynamic process through the study of the relations between Japan and the world.
　③Being able to understand the influence of the past on today's Japanese society.

成績評価の方法および基準

Participation 20％, presentation 40%, final exam: 40％

教科書・参考文献

準備学修の内容

　The passage used the class will have to be read by the students before attending the class. The students will also have to know the basic dates and facts concerning the weekly topic by reading one of the books prescribed, or any other valuable support. Studying in the library will be strongly recommended.

その他履修上の注意事項

　The past being linked to the present, it is necessary for the students to be aware of the main news in Japan, Asia, and the world. Then, reading the newspaper of any other valuable information media will be recommended. The students are encouraged to take "Japanese History II" during the fall semester.

授業内容