JAP4101 – Theories and Methods in Japanese Studies
Course description
Course content
Japanese studies is a field, not a discipline. You can choose to write your thesis on topics that range from modern politics to classical literature, from modern societal issues to history. In this course, you acquire knowledge about and reflect critically on the theories and methods that you will need for your project, and practice applying them to concrete examples.Ìý
The course comprises three pathways:ÌýÌý
Ethnographic research methodsÌý
Literature and translationÌý
Historical texts and classical JapaneseÌý
You must complete two out of these three.ÌýÌý
The course begins with a general introduction to research in Japanese Studies that will enable you to decide which of the pathways are the most relevant to you. By the end of the first week you must choose two pathways. You then attend seminars for your chosen pathways for the remaining nine weeks. You must complete the obligatory tasks and take the exam for the two pathways you chose.Ìý
In the literature and translation pathway you learn to:Ìý
Perform a close reading of literary texts, teasing out their linguistic, stylistic, and narratological features, and situate them in their social, political, economic, and cultural contextÌý
Examine how works of fiction are an expression of the society from which they emerge, and how they in turn affect society, contributing to either reinforcing or subverting existing social formationsÌý
Assess patterns of literary production and audience reception, both domestically and globallyÌý
Reflect critically on theories and practices of translation, both through comparative analysis of texts in different languages, and through practising translation from Japanese to English and/or NorwegianÌý
In the ethnographic research methods pathway you:Ìý
Read several recent ethnographic studies of aspects of Japanese society, familiarising yourself with different theoretical and methodological approachesÌý
Learn about the possibilities and challenges of participant observation as a research methodÌý
Reflect upon issues related to positionality, voice, power, and research ethicsÌý
Practise different ethnographic methods including but not limited to semi-structured interviewsÌý
Acquire a passive understanding of quantitative research methods and become able to critically assess academic sources that use statistical dataÌý
In the historical texts and classical Japanese pathway you:Ìý
Reflect on methods of working with primary sources from different historical settingsÌý
Learn the basics of classical Japanese grammar, and practise translating primary sources in older forms of JapaneseÌý
Apply historical methods to the primary sources that we read in classÌý
Think critically about common understandings of history by engaging directly with primary sourcesÌýÌý
Learning outcome
You will become familiar with a range of scholarly theories and research methodologies in Japanese Studies and practice them through work with concrete materialsÌýÌý
You will apply your Japanese language skills to the study of different subjects and advance them furtherÌý
You will develop your academic writing skills through essay writingÌý
You will practice debating academic knowledge through class presentations and discussionsÌý
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up forÌý.
If you are not already enrolled as a student ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡, please see our information aboutÌý.
Only students enrolled in Japanese Studies (programme option)Ìýcan be admitted to this course.Ìý
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with JAP4110 – Classical Japanese.
Teaching
Two two-hour seminars per week for 10 weeksÌý
The course is conducted in English. The readings are a combination of English and Japanese.Ìý
Compulsory activitiesÌý
Attendance and active participation in 8 out of 10 seminarsÌý
Some obligatory activities during the semester (homework, test, and/or oral presentation). Exact information will be given in Canvas at the beginning of the semester.Ìý
The approved compulsory activity remains valid for the 2 following autumn semesters in which the course is offered. However, exceptions may arise if the course undergoes changes in its assessment format, teaching, or other significant modifications.ÌýYou will find more information about the requirements for the compulsory assignment(s) and the submission deadline in Canvas.Ìý
All compulsory activities must be approved to qualify for the exam. It is your responsibility to verify that you have obtained approval for all compulsory activities.Ìý
Absence from compulsory activities:Ìý
Ìý
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules regarding absence from compulsory activities, to prevent being excluded from teaching and losing your eligibility to take the exam.Ìý
More information on compulsory activities at the University of ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡:Ìý
Examination
The exam is a portfolio exam, consisting of four assignments (two for each pathway). The type of assignments depends on the pathways that you choose.ÌýÌý
The literature and translation component consists of a short translation of a modern literary text into English or Norwegian, plus an essay on a modern Japanese literary work.Ìý
The ethnographic research methods component consists of a midterm essay and a final essay on a relevant topic.Ìý
The historical texts and classical Japanese component consists of an in-class translation and grammar test, as well as an essay on working with primary sources.ÌýÌý
Language of examination
The examination questions are given in English, and you submit your response in English or in Japanese if the assignment requests it.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and FÌýis a fail. Read more aboutÌý.
More about examinations ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡.