ICL-Channels Classes

MORRIS Jonathan “Aspects of Japanese History 2”

9. Class Outline, Objectives: This English medium course introduces the field of Japanese intellectual history. Taking a topic-based approach; the instructor introduces debates relating to the history of ideas in various periods and the more nuanced and accurate narratives provided by recent scholarship. We will investigate the ways in which aspects of Japanese thought such as “Shinto” have developed over time, and the ways in which scholarly understandings and representations of these concepts have changed. This course will introduce the student to the intellectual history of Japan both as a body of knowledge, and as a methodology.

10. Class Schedule: Class 1 Guidance and introductory lecture: Basic terms and an overview of Japanese intellectual history.
Class 2 Basic principles of Buddhist thought
Class 3 Mahayana Buddhist thought
Class 4 Esoteric Buddhist thought
Class 5 Pure Land Buddhist thought
Class 6 Zen Buddhist thought
Class 7 Basic principles of Confucian thought
Class 8 Classical Confucian thought
Class 9 Confucian thought in Japan
Class 10 Basic principles of Taoist thought and Taoist thought in Japan
Class 11 Edo period thought
Class 12 Modern thought
Class 13 Post war Japanese thought
Class 14 ALH1 Students read Herman Ooms “Early Modern Japanese Intellectual History: USA, France, and Germany” in ‘Journal of The Historical Society’ Volume 5, Issue 4, p483–501 (available online) and make notes in preparation for writing a detailed commentary on it of 500-800 words in length. This active learning activity is on demand and may be carried out at any time, so long as the written work deadline (for ALH2) is met.
Class 15 ALH2 Students write a detailed summary/commentary on Herman Ooms “Early Modern Japanese Intellectual History: USA, France, and Germany” in ‘Journal of The Historical Society’ Volume 5, Issue 4, p483–501 (available online). It must be 500-800 words in length. This active learning activity is on demand and may be submitted at any time before the deadline (via Google Classroom): one week after the 13th class.

11. Evaluation/Assignments: Summary/Review Task: (ALH2) 25%
Research Essay: 75%
With guidance from the instructor, students set themselves a research essay on a topic related to Japanese Intellectual History and receive guidance on methodology. The essay must be at least 2000 words in length. It may be submitted at any time during the course (via Google Classroom) before the deadline, which is one week after the 13th class.

12. Textbooks: No textbooks have been set. All materials will be provided by the instructor.

13. Out of Class Study: Students should read as widely as possible on the subject of Japanese Intellectual History.

14. Notes on Enrolling: Students should read as widely as possible on the subject of Japanese Intellectual History.

17. Language Requirements: Students should have sufficient listening ability to follow an introductory level university lecture, and sufficient speaking ability to participate in class discussions.