This is an introductory course to the Japanese History from the Tokugawa Period to the present.
Course Description: The course provides the general knowledge of Japanese History focusing on the political, social, economic and cultural aspects. The course focuses on the specific periods such as the Tokugawa (Edo), Meiji Restoration, Meiji, Taisho, Showa and the rise in the Japanese militarism, Post War Showa, Economic Growth and so on.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the semester, you should be able to recognize the major periods, figures and issues of Japanese History.
Grading:
Attendance------------------ 5 %
Writing Assignment-------- 25 %
Mid-term Exam------------- 30 %
Final Exam------------------ 40 %
The gradings depend on your attendance, writing assignment, mid-term exam, and final exam. You are required to come to class. Writing assignment and exams are essays.
Writing Assignment:
Watch movies that depicts Japan such as the Last Samurai, Sands of Iwo Jima, the Bridge on the River Kwai, The Thin Red Line, Black Rain, Snow Falling on the Ceders, Mr Baseball and so on . Write 3 to 5 page review on the movie. Include your opinion on the Hollywood view of the Japanese Society vs. the actual Japanese society..
Week 1 Introduction to the class
Brief Japanese History since the beginning to the Tokugawa Period and the Tokugawa Period
Week 2 The end of the Tokugawa Period and the Meiji Restoration
Week 3 The Establishment of the Modern Japan, Mejji Constitution and Emperor System
Week 4 Meiji-Taisho and the Rise in the Japanese Militarism.
Week 5 The Great War I and Japan
Week 6 The Great Depression and the impact on Japan
Week 7 The Great War II and Japan as a part of the Axis
Mid-Term Exam Week
Week 8 The War Termination and Surrender
Week 9 Post War Japan and Reconstruction
Week 10 The US-Korean War and the Japanese involvement
Week 11 The US Vietnam War and the Japanese involvement
Week 12 Rise of Japan as a World Economic Power
Week 13 Japan and Ronald Reagan
Week 14 Japan in Current years.
Week 15 Final Exam Week