JPS1090 Understanding Contemporary Japan is designed to provide an understanding of the socio-economic and political dynamics of postwar Japan, its culture, and its relations with the outside world, especially Australia. The semester begins by introducing students to popular images or stereotypes that have served to colour the way Japan is viewed in Australia.
Attention then shifts to establishing a systematic framework for understanding contemporary Japan.
A more modest aim of JPS1090 is to improve the writing skills of each student. JPS1090 is conceived as the introductory course for students planning to do other subjects in Japanese studies. It is envisaged that students will acquire practical concrete skills and knowledge over three years in the Japanese studies courses. The course is structured around lectures and tutorials. The lectures will be taped and can be borrowed from the audiovisual section of the main library.