Major

Japanese Studies

Overview

Japan's position in Asia and the world is one full of apparent contradictions and unexpected outcomes.

How did one of the oldest political and economic systems survive complete defeat in the Pacific War and rise to power again in the 1980s? Considering this influential economy, how do we explain rising figures of unemployment and retrenchment? In a frequently conservative society, how do we account for the radical and often ground-breaking achievements of Japanese artists in the field of popular and underground culture? How are these cultural forms translated into commodities consumed in other Asian and non-Asian societies?

Japanese language classes for a range of competencies, from beginners level for students with little or no knowledge of the language to more advanced levels for students with prior experience. Students will receive a comprehensive grounding in Japanese language with
opportunities to focus on social and cultural areas of interest that include society, politics, media, gender, linguistics, and literature. The study of Japanese society gives the individual insight not only into a deep and diverse culture but also provides important contrasts when considering various nations' roles in the Asia Pacific region. An understanding of Japanese language and society contributes to students' wider understanding of these complex and fascinating cultural, historical, political and economic flows in Asia.