Module Catalogue

JPN1005 : Introduction to Japanese History and Culture

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Shiro Yoshioka
  • Lecturer: Dr Gitte Marianne Hansen
  • Owning School: Modern Languages
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module is an introduction to Japanese history, culture and society. The primary aim is to provide students with general but solid knowledge of Japanese history and society. Students will be asked to study factual information (e.g., key-dates in Japanese history, key historical events, etc.) during the hours allocated to independent study and non-synchronous online structured learning. In person and synchronous online activities will allow them to think critically about specific elements of Japanese history and society that they have encountered in their personal study. This module will be taught and assessed in English.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module consists of two parts, one of which focuses on Japanese history and the other will introduce students to the study of contemporary Japanese society. A detailed syllabus will be made available in the first class together with a Module handbook.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture151:0015:00Present-in-person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching151:0015:00Present-in-person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery31:003:00Present-in-person
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1671:00167:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module begins with a present-in-person lecture given by the module leader. This ensures that students get a chance to fully engage with the structure of the module and ask any questions they may have. This time will also allow students to get to know the lecturer and the other students which is vital for a healthy study environment on the module.

SGL (Lecture materials) will equip students with skills and knowledge required to study and understand Japanese history and culture. This will be online as the blended learning mode of teaching showed to be very effective as it allowed students to reflect in their own time.

In small group teaching students will have opportunity to express their opinion on the materials covered in the above two activities and discuss with peers and the lecturer. As part of seminars students are also encouraged to give unassessed presentations to peers. This will allow students to practice presentation skills which are important for their studies from stage 2 onwards and post university. Students will be provided feedback for any work they are asked to submit as a part of other SGL activities. Students are also expected to ask the lecturer and/or peers any question they have for discussion online, thus deepening their understanding of the subject.

In drop-in surgeries, the students can seek advice from the lecturers on the coursework and their personal essays.

Throughout the module, audio visual materials including films and documentary will also be used to support learning. Time will also be dedicated to sessions on how to do a presentation and write an essay.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M501750 words in English
Essay2M501750 words in English
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise1MWeekly online quizzes are given for part of the module on the reading and non-synchronous online activity (lecture)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The weekly quizzes that are given for part of the module will test the student’s understanding of the reading and lecture. In doing so, active learning and independence will be encouraged. Feedback will be given in the synchronous online activity.

The essays will allow the students to demonstrate a solid knowledge of Japanese culture and society developed throughout the course and during private study. Goal setting & action planning, independence and active learning will be tested together with written skills, critical thinking, innovation and creativity.

Reading Lists

Timetable