授業の概要（ねらい）

This course offers students a critical evaluation of the genre of “Discourses about the Japanese” (Nihonjin ron). During the winter term we will focus on Ruth Benedict's famous book “The Chrysanthemum and Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture” from 1946, which had a profound influence on discourse about Japanese culture in the postwar period and beyond in the West as well as in Japan.

授業の到達目標

Students can expect to come out of this lecture with a better understanding structure and historical context of the genre of “Discourses about the Japanese”. The course participants will be better prepared for engaging in an informed discussion Japanese culture and the historical background of popular stereotypes.

成績評価の方法および基準

・Class/Precept Participation (online / in-class) (30%)
・Weekly Assignments (50%)
・Final Exam (20%)

教科書・参考文献

準備学修の内容

All students are expected to fulfill the following course requirements on a weekly basis:
・Preparation of the assigned readings
・Preparation of detailed lecture notes
・Memorization of Japanese technical terms and their english translation words pertaining to the intellectual and cultural history of Japan

その他履修上の注意事項

・The course language will be English (note: consultations are possible both in English and Japanese)
・All course participants are strictly advised to attend the first session ("Introduction") online or in-class
・Students are advised to bring their Student ID to class
・Late arrivals will be penalized
・Minor modifications to the course schedule are possible during the semester

授業内容