CourseSpecifications
Valid as from the academic year 2024-2025

Society and Current Affairs: Japan (A002931)

Course size
Credits 5.0(nominal values; actual values may depend on programme)
Study time 150 h

Course offerings and teaching methods in academic year 2024-2025
A (semester 1)
EnglishGent

Lecturers in academic year 2024-2025
Holvoet, Marlies
Niehaus, Andreas

peer teachinglecture

LW21
LW21

Offered in the following programmes in 2024-2025
Bachelor of Arts in Oriental Languages and Cultures(main subject China (China Track))
Bachelor of Arts in Oriental Languages and Cultures(main subject China (UGent Track))
Bachelor of Arts in Oriental Languages and Cultures(main subject India)
Bachelor of Arts in Oriental Languages and Cultures(main subject Japan)
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Exchange Programme Cultures and Languages in Context
Exchange Programme Global Studies and World Societies
Exchange Programme Oriental Languages and Cultures
Elective Set Culture and Society
Elective Set Languages of Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe

staff member
lecturer-in-charge
crdts
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offeringA
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Teaching languages
EnglishKeywords
Society, topical matters, Japan
Position of the course
This advanced course helps students understand the social and institutional structures ofmodern Japan. The course introduces students to aspects of modern Japanese society and therelevance of pre-modern structures for modern Japanese society. Also, contemporary societal
topics such as gender, racism, social inequality, sustainability, and environment are addressed.
The course teaches students how to read, understand and use general literature on Japanesesociety. The students are expected to work independently and give a presentation in group ona topic that they have chosen.
Contents
The course offers a general overview on social structures of modern Japan. By discussing
aspects of modern Japanese society the meaning of pre-modern structures in modern Japan
will be analysed. Relevant literature in the field of social studies will be introduced anddiscussed.
Initial competences
To have successfully completed the course A002930 History of Japan or to have acquired thenecessary skills by other means.
Final competences
1 To have broad knowledge of pre-modern and modern structures of Japanese society.
2 To understand the factors and mechanisms that form the basis of social development in pre1 modern and modern Japan.
(Approved)

13 To understand the aspects of modern Japanese society and the relevance of pre-modern
1 structures for modern Japanese society.
4 To be able to read, understand and use general literature on Japanese society.
Conditions for credit contract
Access to this course unit via a credit contract is unrestricted: the student takes into consideration the conditions mentioned
in 'Starting Competences'
Conditions for exam contract
Access to this course unit via an exam contract is unrestricted
Teaching methodsLecture, Peer teaching
Extra information on the teaching methods
During the lectures students will gain insight into topical matters of Japanese society.
In microteaching classes students will present a case study to the class and answer questions
concerning their topic.
Study material
Type: Handbook
Name: An Introduction to Japanese Society
Indicative price: € 50
Optional: noLanguage : English
Author : Yoshio SUGIMOTO
Online Available : No
Available in the Library : Yes
Available through Student Association : Yes
Usability and Lifetime within the Course Unit : intensive
Usability and Lifetime within the Study Programme : intensive
Usability and Lifetime after the Study Programme : occasionallyReferences
Course content-related study coachingStudenten receive constant feedback and will be guided in the presentation of their case study.
Assessment moments
end-of-term and continuous assessment
Examination methods in case of periodic assessment during the first examination period
Written assessment
Examination methods in case of periodic assessment during the second examination period
Written assessment
Examination methods in case of permanent assessment
Oral assessment, Assignment
Possibilities of retake in case of permanent assessment
examination during the second examination period is possible in modified form
Extra information on the examination methods
Assessment form
A written exam (60%) with open questions evaluates to what extent the student understands
the general structure of Japanese society. It will also be evaluated to what extent the student
can analyse and explain social phenomena in modern Japan. Students have to pass the written
exam in order to pass the course.
Students have to give a presentation (40%) in front of class.
Calculation of the examination mark
Periodical: exam (60%)
Non periodical: presentation (40%)
The student needs to succeed in both parts of the evaluation in order to pass.
Facilities for Working Students
1. Possible exemption from educational activities requiring student attendance.
2. Possible rescheduling of the examination to a different time in the same academic year
(Approved)2

3. Alternative time for feedback is possible
For more information concerning flexible learning: contact the monitoring service of the facultyof Arts and philosophy(Approved)3