Japanese (Language and Culture) 2 (B)

Japanese (Language and Culture) 2 (B)

General Courses

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School of Economics and Management

All

IACBG1GCA7

1.00Credits

講義・演習 (Lecture/Seminar)

Spring semester 2026

(Spring semester)

Evelin Adrienn Toth

School of Economics and Management

English

N/a

After class, in the room/in e-mail.

Evelyn Toth:
t.evelyn.hyogo@gmail.com

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3-1◎

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The purpose of this class is to provide students with a basic, general knowledge of Japanese culture that will help them to both adjust to life in Japan, and to understand the universal and culture-specific elements of Japanese culture. By the end of the class, students will have become familiar with the relevant concepts defining Japanese culture, as well as aspects of history, tradition, and society. 

Japanese culture, Japanese society 

1. Japanese language and history-- review (Understanding Japanese Society ch. 1~4)
2. Education in Japan (Understanding Japanese Society ch. 5)
3. Status and hierarchy in Japanese society (Understanding Japanese Society ch. 6)
4. Ethnic diversity (UJS ch. 6)
5. Religions in Japan (UJS ch. 7)
6. Review and discussion
7. Midterm
8. Religion and religious practices (UJS ch. 7)
9. Ritual practices I (UJS ch. 8)
10. Ritual practices II (UJS ch. 8)
11. Field trip to a shrine/ temple
12. Working in Japan (UJS ch. 9)
13. Entertainment and leisure (UJS ch. 10)
14. Art and leisure
15. Review and discussion

In-person

• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits

Completely forbidden

In this course, the use of generative AI is strictly prohibited. Any use during class is forbidden, and if a violation is discovered, credits may not be granted or may be revoked.
Regardless of whether generative AI is used or not, students must pay attention to the contents described in “Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI in Education at the University of Hyogo (For Students)”

Joy Hendry-- "Understanding Japanese Society", Palgrave 2019 (Fifth Edition)

A detailed list of references will be provided by the instructor. 

Students are expected to use at least 60 minutes in preparation for the next class (reading the materials indicated by the
instructor), and 30 minutes reviewing the content of the current class. 

A field trip may be scheduled so that students can both observe daily Japanese life in contexts associated with class content (shrines, temples, performance stages), and analyze those situations based on their direct observations, from a comparative perspective. 

Grading criteria:
S (90%~) excellent (thorough mastery of course material & concepts)
A (80%~) good (proficient grasp of most course material & concepts)
B (70%~) fair (general understanding of principal course material & concepts)
C (60%~) poor but passing (superficial familiarity with some course
material)
In order to obtain the credits for this course, at least a C (60%) is necessary.

Evaluation methods: 
Active contribution to class activities (discussions, presentations) 25%, midterm 30%, final exam 45%
Regular attendance (in case of absence, a notice of absence) is mandatory.

Students will receive continuous feedback in class, after the midterm, and during the final review class. 

Students are expected to read the indicated materials before coming to class, so that they can actively take part in discussions. 

A short research trip may be scheduled as part of the class.