Assignments

Assignments will be distributed at least 2 weeks prior to due date I reserve the right to alter the dates somewhat as needed.

Essay 1—Due Session 9

(5-page paper, double spaced)

In his article “Finding a Place in Metropolitan Japan,” William Kelly criticizes the recurring “consensus versus conflict” debate… [Read more]

Essay 2—Due Session 14

(5-page paper, double spaced)

During this section of the class we are exploring and discussing different approaches to cultural analysis… [Read more]

Essay 2 Revision—Due Session 18

(8 page paper, double spaced)

Students will meet with the instructor prior to session 17 to discussion the first version of Essay 2. This discussion will help guide the revision process.

Oral Presentations—Due Sessions 19–23

Each student will have 10 minutes for an individual presentation to discuss their final projects. On each day, 3–4 students will form a panel for presentations.

Independent research regarding your final project: Please identify 3 additional sources (outside articles, book chapters, short stories, films, TV shows) for your research for your final project.

Final Essay—Due Session 25

(8-page paper, double spaced)

Microthemes—Due Every Class Without Other Papers Due

A microtheme is a 1-page paper in response to readings or discussion

In his article “Finding a Place in Metropolitan Japan,” William Kelly criticizes the recurring “consensus versus conflict” debate about Japanese society and culture. In his words, “This debate has pitted, for example, those who characterize Japanese commitment to the group and the natural harmony of a homogeneous society against those who insist on individual difference, opposition to the group, and structural inequalities” (pp. 191–2). Kelly argues instead for an alternative understanding of the patterns in Japanese society by focusing on ideologies, institutions and everyday life.

Using examples from Elizabeth Bumiller’s book Secrets of Mariko, analyze the ways that such “ideologies, institutions, and everyday concerns” have shaped Mariko’s life.

In particular, please discuss by taking a stand either for or against one (1) of the following assertions:

Japanese society discriminates against women.
Women have it better than men in Japanese society.
Mariko is a sign of a changing Japan.

If you prefer to choose a different theme to focus on, that is OK, but please discuss it with me first.

« Back to Assignments

Evaluating Approaches to Cultural Analysis

During this section of the class we are exploring and discussing different approaches to cultural analysis.

Please use Leila Philip’s book, The Road Through Miyama, and consider the following questions:

How can we evaluate different methods for understanding Japanese culture?
What are the advantages and limitations of different approaches?
What aspects of Japan are accessible through what kinds of research

In particular, you might consider some of the different methods Philip uses to discuss her experience of living in Miyama.

For example, she relies on a variety of methods, including historical descriptions, her experiences as a practicing apprentice, her portraits of others, and her descriptions of activities outside the workshop (e.g., English conversation lessons, rice farming, etc.). What do we learn from these different methods? What do you think of the image she gives us of rural Japan?

For comparison, you can also consider the other materials we have encountered so far, including the Bumiller book, the J-Horror Performance, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the documentary films we have watched—Makiko’s New World (based on a 1910 diary of a woman newly married to a Kyoto merchant) and Inside Japan, Inc. (which explored the postwar economic boom).

« Back to Assignments

Browse Course Material

Course Info

Instructor

Departments

As Taught In

Level

Topics

Learning Resource Types

Intro to Japanese Culture