HIST 2806A: Introduction to the History of the Civilization of Japan
日本文明史入門
[Nihon Bunmeishi Nyūmon]
Fall 2022-Winter 2023
Instructor: Professor Jacob Kovalio
Dear Students, the warmest welcome back to traditional classes! Here is the basic information about this course:
A. ELEVEN fundamental elements inform Japan’s historical evolution: location in the northwestern corner of the Ring of Fire; intense tectonic/volcanic environment; dearth of natural resources; being an island-nation; a complex written language; non-monotheistic religious duality of Shintō & Buddhism; subservience of religion to political leadership; bureaucratic domination of state and society; existence of one – the world’s oldest- imperial dynasty; readiness to adopt and adapt foreign (Chinese, then Western) institutions/traditions ; self-perception of racial homogeneity. This fascinating, full-year course – divided into two , weekly classes of 1.5 hours each – blends comprehensive factual information and topical analysis of the political (institutional), social, cultural (religion, mythology and art) and economic realms of Japan’s history between the 6th century and 1941.
B. Lectures, discussions and online materials –from documentaries to music – cover the major themes of the class. The annual festival of Japanese culture awaits your involvement.
C. Students are urged to attend classes regularly. Questions and debates are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. Social Networking and Eating are allowed ONLY during breaks.
D. GRADING has four components: I – Attendance- worth 20% of the final mark. II– One in-class Fall-Term identification and definition test and worth 20% of the final grade. – III– One typewritten/hard copy research essay due in late March 2023 , worth 40% of the final grade and following this format: 1 – A cover page. 2 – A brief opening summary. 3 – Footnotes as citation style. 4 – Up to ten sources – only ONE wikisource . 5 – No mandatory IV-One in-class Winter Term identification and definition test, covering ONLY Winter -Term material and worth 20% of the course mark. DEADLINES WILL BE STRICTLY OBSERVED. STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS to be in GOOD STANDING. The basic textbook for the course is J.W. Hall, Japan: from Prehistory to Modern Times. University of Michigan Press,1991. The instructor’s Coursepack, a valuable learning tool will be available in the Bookstore. Both items are very conveniently priced.