Comprehensive Course List

The following is a comprehensive list of course offerings approved for the Japanese Studies Major and Minor Programs. All graduate level course require permission of the instructor for undergraduates students. Some departmental offerings have content that varies from year to year. In those cases, Japanese Studies approval is given only when content relates primarily to Japan.

Check with the Japanese Studies office for the current course offerings.

Anthropology

ANGN 100 Special Topics:Globalizing East Asian Pop Culture

Economics

ECON 163 Japanese Economy Survey of Japanese economy. Topics such as economic growth, business cycles, saving-investment balance, financial markets, fiscal and monetary policy, labor markets, industrial structure, international trade, and agricultural policy.

History

HILD 10-11-12 East Asia A lower division survey that compares and contrasts the development of China and Japan from ancient times to the present. Themes include the nature of traditional East Asian society and culture, East Asian responses to political and economic challenges posed by an industrialized West, and war, revolution and modernization in the twentieth century.

HIEA 111 Japan: Twelfth Through the Mid-Nineteenth Centuries Covers important political issues--such as the medieval decentralization of state power, unification in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Tokugawa system of rule, and conflicts between rulers and ruled--while examining long-term changes in economy, society, and culture.

HIEA 112 Japan from the Mid-Nineteenth Century Through U.S. Occupation Topics include the Meiji Restoration, nationalism, industrialization, imperialism, Tsaih Democracy, and the Occupation. Special attention will be given to the costs as well as benefits of "modernization" and the relations between dominant and subordinated cultures and groups with Japan.

HIEA 113 The Fifteen Year War in Asia and the Pacific Lecture-discussion courses approaching the 1931-1945 war through various "local," rather than simply national, experiences. Perspectives examined include those of marginalized groups within Japan, Japanese Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other elites and nonelites in Asian and Pacific settings.

HIEA 114 Postwar Japan Examines social, cultural, political, and economic transformations and continuities in Japan since World War II. Emphases will differ by instructor. Prerequisite: upper-division standing.

HIEA 115 Social and Cultural History of Twentieth-Century Japan Japanese culture and society changed dramatically during the twentieth century. This course will focus on the transformation of cultural codes into what we know as "Japanese", the politics of culture, and the interaction between individuals and society.

HIEA 116 Japan-U.S. Relations Survey of relations between Japan and the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Although the focus will be on these nation-states, the course will be framed within the global transformation of societies. Topics include cultural frameworks, political and economic changes, colonialism and imperialism, and migration.

HIEA 117 Ghosts in Japan By examining the roles of ghosts in Japanese belief systems in a non-scientific age, this course addresses topics including folk beliefs and ghost stories, religiosity, early science, tools of amelioration and authoritative knowledge, and the relationship between myth and history. Prerequisite: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

HIEA 160 Colloquium on Modern Japanese History This colloquium examines controversial domestic and international issues in Japanese history from 1850-recent times. Topics will vary from year to year. Prerequisite: department stamp, consent of instructor.

HIEA 161 Representing Japan Analyzes Anglo-American representations of Japan and "Japaneseness" from mid-nineteenth century to present. Primary focus on literary, visual, and theatrical works that have had a significant and direct impact upon popular (or public) culture and perceptions. Prerequisite: department stamp or consent of instructor.

Japanese Studies

JAPN 190 Selected Topics in Japanese Studies (Senior Seminar)

Students who have prior preparation of Japanese language are placed in language courses based on the results of a placement exam or an oral interview with an instructor. Students who have lived in Japan, or use Japanese at home are required to take a placement exam administered prior to the beginning of the fall quarter. Contact the Japanese Studies office for more information.

JAPN 10A First-Year Japanese I
This course is an introduction to the Japanese language.  Students will learn basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing over 75 characters.  Students will also acquire fundamental knowledge of Japanese grammar and learn about Japanese people and culture. 
Prerequisite: No prior study of Japanese language is required for 10A. If you have studies Japanese before or have some knowledge or background in Japanese, please take a placmenet exam.)

JAPN 10B First-Year Japanese II
This course is an introduction to the Japanese language.  Students will learn basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing over 73 additional characters.  Students will also acquire fundamental knowledge of Japanese grammar and learn about Japanese people and culture.
Prerequisite: JAPN 10A, course equivalent, or through a placement exam.     

JAPN 10C First-Year Japanese III
This course is an introduction to the Japanese language.  Students will learn basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing over 75 additional characters.  Students will also acquire fundamental knowledge of Japanese grammar and learn about Japanese people and culture
Prerequisite: JAPN 10B, course equivalent, or through a placement exam.   

JAPN 20 A Second-Year Japanese I
This course is a continuation of First-Year.  Students will improve their fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing including acquiring knowledge in the use of transitive and intransitive verbs, expression of actions and learning about Japanese transportation and health.
Prerequisites: JAPN 10C, course equivalent, a score of 3 on the AP Japanese Language & Culture Test or through a placement exam.   

JAPN 20 B Second-Year Japanese II
Students will improve their fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing including acquiring knowledge of talking about life experiences, Japanese culture and customs, and writing short essays.
Prerequisites: JAPN 20A, course equivalent, a score of 4 on the AP Japanese Langugae & Culture Test or through a placement exam. 

JAPN 20C Second-Year Japanese III
Students will improve their fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing including acquiring knowledge of Japanese culture and customs and reading newspaper articles.  Students will conduct research including writing a short essay and presentation.
Prerequisite: JAPN 20B, course equivalent, or through a placement exam

JAPN 100 A Japanese for Bilingual Speakers I
This course is for students with a high level of oral proficiency but limited ability in reading and writing.  Students focus on elementary reading and writing skills by learning more than 200 characters, essay writing, grammar and idiomatic expressions. 
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. These courses are for those students who have a high level of speaking proficiency in Japanese but no or little reading and writing abilities.

JAPN 100B Japanese for Bilingual Speakers II
This series is for students with a high level of oral proficiency but limited ability in reading and writing.  Students focus on middle school reading and writing skills by learning more than 250 characters and producing essays and giving presentations
Prerequisite: JAPN 100A or consent of Instructor. These courses are for those students who have a high level of speaking proficiency in Japanese but no or little reading and writing abilities.

JAPN 100C Japanese for Bilingual Speakers III
This series is for students with a high level of oral proficiency but limited ability in reading and writing.  Students focus on upper level reading and writing skills by learning more than 250 characters and producing essays and giving presentations.
Prerequisite: JAPN 100B or consent of Instructor. These courses are for those students who have a high level of speaking proficiency in Japanese but no or little reading and writing abilities.

JAPN 130 A Third-Year Japanese I
This course will require students to gain knowledge, comprehend, evaluate and discuss Japanese customs.  Students will critically analyze and compare culture and customs of Japan and other countries.  Course work includes student research on issues in Japanese society.  
Prerequisites: JAPN 20C, a score of 5 on the AP Japanese Langugae & Culture Test or through a placement exam. 

JAPN 130B Third-Year Japanese II
This course will require students to gain knowledge, comprehend, evaluate and discuss topics of education system and youth issues in Japan and other countries.  Students will learn vocabulary and phrases to support, explain, research and hypothesize concrete and abstract topics.
Prerequisites: JAPN 130A or through a placement exam. 

JAPN 130C Third-Year Japanese III
This course will require students to gain knowledge, comprehend, evaluate and discuss the environment and internationalization issues.  Students will learn vocabulary and phrases to critically analyze and compare, express their opinions, present and propose possible solutions for these topics.  B
Prerequisites: JAPN 130B or through a placement exam.

JAPN 140A Fourth-Year Japanese I
This course will enable students to acquire advanced skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing in the topics of career building and obtaining a job in Japan.
Prerequisites: JAPN 130C or through a placement exam.   

JAPN 140B Fourth-Year Japanese II
This course will enable students to acquire advanced skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing in the topics of Japanese youth culture and their way of thinking. 
Prerequisites: JAPN 140A or through a placement exam.   

JAPN 140C Fourth-Year Japanese III
This course will enable students to acquire advanced skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing in the topics of globalization in language, food and culture in Japan, the US, and other countries.
Prerequisites: JAPN 140B or through a placement exam.

JAPN 150A Advanced Japanese I
Students will be introduced to advanced Japanese by reading newspaper articles and books, writing essays and doing homework. Daily quizzes will be given. Class time will be devoted to discussion and the learning of kanji.
Prerequisites: JAPN 140C or through a placement exam.

JAPN 150B Advanced Japanese II
Students will expand their knowledge of broader aspects of social, cultural, economic and political life of the Japanese. Higher verbal ability becomes necessary for a more advanced level of communication. Kanji will be given top priority.
Prerequisites: JAPN 150A or through a placement exam.

JAPN 150C Advanced Japanese III
Current issues within Japanese society are further explored through deeper analysis and discussion. Students will be enabled to understand various aspects of Japanese cultural nuances. Learning kanji will be given top priority.
Prerequisites: JAPN 150B or through a placement exam.

Literature

LTEA 130 Earlier Japanese Literature in Translation An introduction to earlier Japanese (bungo) literature in translation. Will focus on several works, placing their forms in the historical contex. No knowledge of Japanese required. Repeatable for credit when topics vary.

LTEA 132 Later Japanese Literature in Translation An introduction to later Japanese (kogo) literature in translation. Will focus on several "modern" works, placing their form in the historical context. No knowledge of Japanese required. Repeatable for credit when topics vary.

LTEA 134 A Single Japanese Author (in translation) A good number of Japanese authors are by now wellrerstd in English translation. The course will focus on one writer and his or her relationships to the social context. May be repeated by credit as topics vary.

LTEA 136 Special Topics in Japanese Literature The course will focus on important problematics of literary studies as they relate to Japan (e.g., "feminism," "modernity," "literary mode of production," "Orientalism and nativism"). No knowledge of Japanese required. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

LTWL 155 Gender Studies (when on Japan) The study of the construction of sexual differences in literature and culture. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

LTCS 120 Historical Perspectives on Culture (when on Japan) The course will explore the relation among cultural production, institutions, history, and ideology during selected historical periods. In considering differnt kind of texts, relations of power and knowledge at different historical moments will be discussed. Repeatable for credit when topics vary.

LTCS 130 Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Class & Culture (when on Japan) The course will focus on the representation of gender, ethnicity, and class in cultural production in view of various contempoartoe of race, sex, and class. Repeatable for credit when topics vary.

LTCS 150 Topics in Cultural Studies (when on Japan) The course will examine one or more forms of cultural production or cultural practice from a variety of theoretical and historical perspectives. Topics may include: contemporary debates on culture, genres of popular music/fiction/film, AIDS and culture, the history of sexuality, subcultural styles, etc. Repeatable for credit when topics vary.

Music

Check with the Japanese Studies office as to whether these courses may be used toward a Japanese studies major or minor.

MUS 111 Topics/World Music Traditions (when on Japan) A study of particular regional musics in their repertory, cultural context, and interaction with other traditions.

MUS 116 Popular Music Studies Seminar (when on Japan) This course examines special topics in popular music from various sociopolitical, aesthetic, and performance perspectives. Readings include recent literature in cultural studies, musicology, and/or performance practice..

Political Science

POLI 113B Chinese and Japanese Political Thought (I) An examination of the competing philosophical traditions of ancient and modern China and Japan, with an eye toward understanding how these have been reflected in Chinese and Japanese development. Readings and class sessions will be in English, although students with Chinese or Japanese language capability will be given the opportunity to use their special skills.

POLI 113C Chinese and Japanese Political Thought (II) A continuation of 113B which follows political philosophical themes in China and Japan through the twentieth century. Important topics will include Buddhism and Confucianism as they changed in each context in response to internal and external stimuli. Prerequisite: PS 113B.

132B Politics and Revolution in China and Japan An intensive examination of the quests for modernity undertaken by Chinese and Japanese leaders from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Emphasis is placed upon the relationship among indigenous values, international pressures, and issues concerning national identity.

133A Japanese Politics: A Developmental Perspective This course will analyze the political systems of modern comparative-historical perspective.

133D Political Institutions of East Asian Countries This course discuses the following major topics in three East Asian countries (Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines) from a comparative perspective: (1) economic and political development; (b) political institutions; and (c) policies.

133DD Comparative analysis of East Asian Institutions This seminar course is designed to be an advanced follow-up to PS 133D Political Institutions of East Asian Countries. The course examines present-day East Asian government institutions in much greater depth.

133E Public Policy in Japan This course combines an examination of general models of the way in which public policy is made in Japan, and a review of outcomes in several substantive policy areas, such as education, public works, health and welfare, and pollution.

133G Postwar U.S.-Japan Relations (4) This relationship between the U.S. and Japan has been described as "the most important in the world, bar none." This course will examine U.S.-Japan security and economic relations in the postwar period from the Occupation and Cold War alliance through the severe bilateral trade friction of the 1980s and 1990s to the present relationship and how it is being transformed by the forces of globalization, regionalization, and multilateralism.

Theatre and Dance

TDGE 126 Storytelling & Design in Animation This course will use a broad range of animation styles and genres to examine larger issues in art practice, focusing closely on the relationship between form and content, and how sound/set/costume/character design impacts narrative. Prerequisite: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.


Back to the top

Vistual Arts

VIS 127N Twentieth-Century Art in China and Japan (4) Surveys the key works and developments in the modern art and visual culture of Japan from Edo and Meiji to the present and of China from the early twentieth century to contemporary video, performance, and installation art. Prerequisite: upper-division standing. VIS 21B recommended.

VIS 127P Arts of Japan Course is a survey of the visual arts of Japan, considering how the arts developed in the context of Japan’s history and discussing how art and architecture were used for philosophical, religious, and material ends. Prerequisite: upper-division standing. VIS 21B recommended.

VIS 128DN Topics/Non-Western Art History Japanese Painting & Prints
Prerequisite: upper-division standing.

Back to the top

Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies

IP/Gen 400 International Relations of the Pacific International relations and developing international political economies of nations bordering the Pacific. Topics include: the "Pacific Basin" concept; the U.S. and "hegemonic-stability" theory; legacies of Korean war and Sino-Soviet dispute; immigration patterns and their consequences; and Japan's foreign policy.

IP/Gen 411 Business & Management in Japan

IP/Gen 416 Postwar Politics in Japan This course surveys postwar politics in Japan, including American Occupation reforms, political institutions, major political actors, and mass and elite political behavior. Special attention is paid to the issue of Japan's changing democracy.

IP/Gen 460 The Politics of US-Japan Economic Relations (Not offered in 2008-2009)
This course analyzes how the domestic politics of each country, their international negotiations, and their interaction concerning economic issues have affected the U.S.-Japan relationship. Both the politics of cooperation and integration, and trade friction and conflict are addressed, in part through study of specific cases.

IP/Gen 467 Policymaking and Political Economy in Japan This course examines the policymaking process in Japan, as well as the interaction and role of state and non-state actors in shaping Japan's economy. Students analyze and compare case studies of industrial policies (toward high-tech and declining industries), non-industrial policies, and their consequences.

IP/Gen 468 Government and Business in Japan This course identifies and analyzes the basic features of the Japanese political economy and government-business relationships in postwar Japan. Following an introduction to the constituents of Japanese political and industrial organization, specific aspects of financial and industrial policy (MOF/MITI), as well as regulation and corporate governance are discussed.

IP/Gen 471 Japanese Economy This course provides a broad survey of the Japanese economy. It also offers an in-depth examination of some distinctively Japanese phenomena such as savings behavior, financial structure, industrial organization, and labor markets. Prerequisites: IR/Core 401 and 403, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 472/272 Japanese Corporate Culture This course examines Japanese cultural values and social relations in the context of business organizations. The central focus is on the integration of individuals into their organizations and on the human relations characteristics of their work environments.

IP/Gen 478 Japanese Foreign Policy (Not Offered in 2008-2009)