Core Texts:

History of Japan

HIS 4930 Syllabus

Instructor: Eric Messersmith, Ph.D.

Institute for Asian Studies

Florida International University

Spring 2004

Description: This course surveys the development of civilization in Japan from pre-modern times through the present. The course will begin its focus on readings associated with the struggles for unification during the Momoyama period and the eventual victory of the Tokugawa. While the intent of the course is to give students a firm basis for understanding the foundations of Japanese culture, broader questions such as the nature of civilization, cultural borrowing, and the extent to which culture and civilization can or should be distinctive or unique, will also be addressed.

Quizzes, Exams & Grading: There will be three exams (Dates to be announced). The last exam will be given on the last day of class during the regular semester. Each exam will count 20% of the final grade. The exams will not be cumulative in the strict sense of the term, though students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of the earlier information as is necessary to compare and contrast the material studied insightfully. Exams will typically include both "objective" (map identifications, true/false; multiple choice; matching, etc) and essay components, though the latter will typically account for the majority of the point value of the exam.

Brief quizzes (unannounced) will be given, and cumulatively will count as 20% of the final grade. The quizzes are designed to ensure that students master the details of Japanese history on a regular basis. Given that much of the information integral to the study of Japanese history is utterly foreign to beginning students, it is essential that students attempt to digest it in reasonable increments. The quizzes, testing geographic details, familiarity with names, events, etc., will typically be "objective" in nature. Those who attend and participate meaningfully in class, read carefully and reflect upon assigned readings, and review class lectures, discussions, and assigned readings with an eye toward meaningful integration of the material, should have no difficulties with the quizzes.

Students will also form small groups (no less than 3 nor more than 5) and be expected to give a power point presentation of (10-15 slides) on a topic of their choosing, related to traditional Japanese history. More than mere reports, these presentations should seek to develop a thesis, defined by the students, on the basis of their readings and in-class experiences with Japanese history. One sample thesis, for example, would be "Buddhism was more of a political force than a personal religious force in early Japanese history." Another might be "Samurai were more influential as promoters of civilization and peace than they were simple warriors." Often the thesis will develop as students engage the readings meaningfully. Rather than choose a thesis in advance of doing any of the readings, students are encouraged to allow their thinking to unfold naturally with their progress in the course. It is essential that groups choose their thesis on the basis of materials available, rather than in isolation from them. Thesis PP presentations are due during the last two weeks of the semester. (20 %)

Grading Summary:

Three exams 20% each

Three quizzes 20%

Presentation 20%

Goals and Outcomes: This course is a survey history of Japan, and is meant primarily to prepare students for a more meaningful appreciation of the development of modern Japanese history. At the same time, the course seeks to provide for students an appreciation of the fundamentals shaping Japanese culture and civilization, be they religious, philosophical, economic, literary, linguistic, or artistic. Thus, by the end of the semester students should have an understanding of the nature of Japanese geography, Shinto, varieties of Japanese Buddhism, the essential emphases of Japanese law, literature, and philosophy, as well as the key components of Japanese language. Given this broad background in the fundamentals, students who complete the course successfully should be able to more insightfully assimilate new information and studies related to Japan. Additionally, as is true with the study of any foreign culture, students should have realized significantly more about themselves and their "own" culture.
Disabilities Statement: Florida International University seeks to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a covered disability must go to the Department for Disability Support Services to verify the disability before any accommodations can occur.

Schedule for Lectures, Reading Assignments & Discussion Topics

To be Announced Later

In order to relate contemporary news to Japanese history, students will be given press handouts on a regular basis. Material in them will be discussed in class, the stuff of quizzes, and possibly exams. In addition, the following are the text(s) required for the course and must be read carefully since they are the material on which students will be tested. Generally speaking, students will not be expected to "know" details which appear only in the readings assigned. However, any material that is mentioned in class and appears in the readings will be considered fair game for the quizzes and exams. In addition to the readings, several videos will be presented throughout the semester.

Core Text(s):

The Modern History of Japan: From Tokugawa Times to the Present
by Andrew Gordon

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press; (February 2003)
ISBN: 0195110617

Sources of Japanese Tradition, Vol. II

by Wm. Theodore de Bary, Editor

Columbia University Press, NY

Links:

General Sources

Asian Links From the University of Kansas research web.
Bridge to Japan A web site by the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation dedicated to researching and providing links to on-line Japanese resources.
Consulate of Japan's Web Page For general information.
Japanese-American Society Page An informative page of information, links, and educational opportunities.
The Asia Society Though this site contains more contemporary Asian information, it does provide both valuable cultural information and a links page.
The Japan Atlas An excellent visual and geographical resource for on-line maps of Japan and its cities.
The Japan Foundation Contains cultural links, including museums and art institutes. This site has an extensive and up to date information.
Japanese studies
The Japan Times Includes links to historic places on-line.

General History

Michigan State University's H-Japan is an on-line discussion group for individuals interested
in Japanese history.
A Concise History of Japan Freshman HELPER! An excellent and source by time period, highlighting major political and social events.
East Asian Collections and Libraries in the U.S. A list from Duke University.
Japanese History Resources through Duke University.
Japanese Links Duke University's page of links for academics.
Links for Japanese Studies University of Texas at Austin also provides an excellent site for Japanese sites.
The Digital Libraries of Kansai The city archives. An excellent resource.
The Kyoto Library Excellent on-line resources.

General History

Michigan State University's H-Japan is an on-line discussion group for individuals interested
in Japanese history.
A Concise History of Japan Freshman HELPER! An excellent and source by time period, highlighting
major political and social events.
East Asian Collections and Libraries in the U.S. A list from Duke University.
Japanese History Resources through Duke University.
Japanese Links Duke University's page of links for academics.
Links for Japanese Studies University of Texas at Austin also provides an excellent site for Japanese sites.
The Digital Libraries of Kansai The city archives. An excellent resource.
The Kyoto Library Excellent on-line resources.