JPN1005 : Introduction to Japanese History and Culture
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- 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. While lectures provide students with knowledge of basic theories and concepts as well as overview of Japanese history, students will be asked to further study factual information (e.g., key-dates in Japanese history, key historical events, etc.) during the hours allocated to independent study. Seminar 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 Activities | Lecture | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Present-in-person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Present-in-person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Present-in-person |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 167 | 1:00 | 167:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provide students with knowledge about Japanese history, culture and society as well as basic concepts and theories they should know in studying a culture and language that are not their own.
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.
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
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 40 | An Inspera digital exam. Students will be tested on their understanding of concepts and theories as well as Japanese history and culture covered in S1. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 60 | 2100 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 exercise | 1 | M | A mock exam to familiarise students with format of the assessed exam. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam ensures that the students have solid understanding of concepts and theories as well as basics of Japanese history taught in S1.
The essay 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
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- JPN1005's Timetable