To comprehensively examine the development of Japanese history in relation to geographic conditions and world history. Understand that a historical event has been formed and developed over the long term and by various factors. Acquire the ability to objectively consider not only what happened in Japan, but also Japan's position in the international society, the roles that Japan is expected to play, and the roles it has played and the challenges it has faced.
Outline:
In this course, we will comprehensively consider the development of Japanese history, focusing on modern and contemporary Japanese history, in relation to geographical conditions and world history.
Students will deepen their understanding from a broad perspective that integrates the elements that make up history, including politics, economics, society, culture, and the international environment.
Style:
The course will be taught mainly with lectures, using note-taking, textbooks, pictorial books, and handout.
Notice:
Although memorizing words and events is important, this course goes beyond it and aims to deepen the students' understanding toward the structure, cause, and effect of historical events and help them understand the today's situation and social structure by linking with it.
Students who miss 1/3 or more of classes will not be eligible for a passing grade.
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Theme |
Goals |
| 1st Semester |
| 1st Quarter |
| 1st |
Guidance
Dawn of Japanese Culture |
Learn about Japanese culture and the Yamato administration, and understand the relationship and influence with the continent in the process of its formation.
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| 2nd |
Formation of Ritsuryokokka and aristocracy |
Understand the characteristics of Ritsuryokokka and the transition of the ancient nation from the Yamato administration to the Heian period.
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| 3rd |
Establishment of medieval society |
Understand the process from the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate to the decline of the Shogunate due to the Mongol invasion and its factors.
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| 4th |
Growth of samurai society |
Understand the process from the establishment of the Muromachi Shogunate to the entry into the age of provincial wars, along with its social background.
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| 5th |
Establishment of the shogunate system |
Understand the process before and after the establishment of the shogunate system from various angles, along with the transformation of its economic and social structure.
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| 6th |
Development of the shogunate system |
Understand how the stability of the Edo Shogunate was achieved and the economic and social impact it brought about.
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| 7th |
Turmoil in the shogunate system |
Understand how the shogunate attempted to deal with the transformation of domestic and international society.
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| 8th |
Review of 1stQ |
Review of 1stQ
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| 2nd Quarter |
| 9th |
Opening of the country and turmoil at the end of the Edo period
Meiji Restoration and Fukoku Kyohei |
Understand the process of Japan's integration into the international society, the fall of the Edo shogunate, and the differences in Japan's response to the West and Asia.
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| 10th |
Establishment of a constitutional nation and the Sino-Japanese War
Russo-Japanese War and International Relations |
Understand the process of Japan's transformation into a modern nation and the background of the Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War in relation to developments in other countries.
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| 11th |
Development of modern industry
Development of modern culture |
Understand the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Japan and the development of modern culture from the perspectives of politics, economy, and society.
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| 12th |
World War I and Japan
The Washington System |
Learn about the formation and development of party politics. Understand the changes in Japanese policies and trends in other countries during World War I.
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| 13th |
Transformation of civil life and popular culture
The Age of Depression |
Understand the impact of the formation of mass society on politics, economy, and society.
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| 14th |
The rise of the military |
Understand how the political advance of the military evolved and how it affected Japan's foreign policy.
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| 15th |
World War II |
Learn the background and transition of World War II, and understand the behavior of Japan from various angles, focusing on the differences and commonalities with other countries.
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| 16th |
Final exam |
Ask about the content from weeks 9-15
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| 2nd Semester |
| 3rd Quarter |
| 1st |
Occupation and reform |
Understand how Japan was positioned in the postwar international order and what reforms were made for it.
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| 2nd |
The start of the Cold War and peace |
Learn what the Cold War is. Understand how the start of the Cold War affected Japan.
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| 3rd |
Japan in the Cold War |
Understand what kind of policies Japan has tried to develop in returning to the international society, especially in Asia during the Cold War.
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| 4th |
1955 system |
Consider what the "1955 system" is.
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| 5th |
From economic recovery to high growth |
Understand the background to the economic recovery and subsequent high economic growth. Consider the impact these have had on society.
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| 6th |
The road to economic superpower |
Understand the process and background of Japan's rise as an economic superpower, from both domestic and international perspectives.
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| 7th |
The end of the Cold War and the transformation of Japanese society |
Understand the impact of domestic and international changes such as the end of the Cold War, the collapse of the "1955 system", and the bursting of the bubble economy on Japan's politics, economy, and society.
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| 8th |
Review of 3rdQ |
Review of 3rdQ
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| 4th Quarter |
| 9th |
Dawn of political reforms |
Understand what kind of political reforms were implemented, along with its purpose and results.
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| 10th |
Normalization of coalition politics |
Understand the turmoil and transformation of party politics after the collapse of the "1955 system" and how it affected Japan's politics, economy, and society.
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| 11th |
Subsequent transition of coalition government |
Learn about the Koizumi Cabinet and the reforms it promoted. Understand the subsequent transition of the LDP administration.
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| 12th |
Change of government (2009) |
Learn about the process of the LDP's going out of power and the DPJ's acquisition of government, and understand the rise and fall of the DPJ government.
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| 13th |
Change of government (2012) |
Learn from the regaining of power of the LDP to the present day, and consider what has changed with the change of government.
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| 14th |
Japan in the international society 1 |
Understand how Japan has positioned itself and what role it has played in the modern international society.
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| 15th |
Japan in the international society 2 |
Understand the position of Japan in the modern international society and the challenges and problems it faces.
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| 16th |
Final exam |
Ask about the 2nd Semester.
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