Fourth-Year Japanese: Conceptualizations of Identity in Contemporary Japan
JAPN 219
Fall 2025
| Section:
01
|
| This course may be repeated for credit. |
Enrolled students and faculty will determine the twice-weekly, 80-minute class meeting times together.
By placing Japan in a global context and exploring key social, cultural, and political themes through comparative analysis with other nations, this course fosters deep engagement with modern literary texts, current media reports, visual materials, and critical discussions conducted entirely in Japanese. Students will actively interpret complex materials while expanding their understanding of contemporary Japanese society.
Themes explored in the course include:
1) Issues related to the modern Japanese family, including the declining birthrate and aging population
2) Diversity and identity in Japan, addressing topics such as the concept of "Japanese-ness," the experiences of resident aliens and the naturalization process, biracial and bicultural individuals, indigenous groups such as the Ainu, and the experiences of Zainichi Koreans (resident Koreans in Japan) *Note: These themes are subject to change.
By the end of the semester, students will have developed the following competencies:
1) Enhanced reading comprehension of articles on various aspects of Japanese society, with improved speed and accuracy through the study of Kanji characters, grammar, and expressions
2) The ability to analyze and comprehend complex content more efficiently, using acquired linguistic skills to grasp key concepts
3) Proficiency in articulating, both orally and in writing, summaries of learned material in a clear, accessible manner, and expressing well-supported personal opinions
4) The ability to present and critically evaluate differing viewpoints, and engage in thoughtful discussions on various issues
5) A deeper understanding of global perspectives, fostering an appreciation for cultural differences and the importance of intercultural understanding |
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CEAS |
| Course Format: Language | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: JAPN218 |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (Art History)(College of East Asian Studies Minor)(College of East Asian Studies) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Representative works by a variety of modern authors, TV shows, films, newspapers.
|
Examinations and Assignments:
Oral presentations, written assignments, quizzes, and debates. Weekly one-on-one meetings with native speaker for conversation practice. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Attendance and active participation in every class are required. Enrolled students and faculty will determine the twice-weekly, 80-minute class meeting times together. For Credit/Non-Credit option: Discuss the requirements with the instructor on the first day of class. Class meeting times TBD |
| Instructor(s): Maruta,Naho Times: TBA; TBA; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 5 | JR major: 1 | | |
| Seats Available: 13 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 4 | JR non-major: 1 | SO: 2 | FR: 2 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|