History of Japanese Thought

Course Title

Course Title in English

History of Japanese Thought

Course Type

General Courses

-

Eligible Students

School of Economics and Management

Target Grade

All

Course Numbering Code

IA9991GCA1

Credits

2.00Credits

The course numbering code represents the faculty managing the subject, the department of the target students, and the education category (liberal arts / specialized course). For detailed information, please download the separate manual from the upper right 'question mark'.

Type of Class

講義 (Lecture)

Eligible Year/Semester

Fall semester 2026

(Fall semester)

Instructor

Tamas Carmen

Affiliation

School of Economics and Management

Language of Instruction

English

Related SDGs

4／16

Office Hours and Location

After class or by appointment-- B 307

Contact

tamas@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

Corresponding Diploma Policy

A double circle indicates the most relevant DP number and a circle indicates the associated DP.

Corresponding Undergraduate School DP

ー

Corresponding Graduate School DP

ー

Corresponding University-Wide DP

2-1◎／2-2◎／3-1◎

Academic Goals of Teacher Training Course

ー

Course Objectives and Learning Outcome

While human patterns of thought have a clear universal component, each culture, depending on geographical and historical factors, develops various ideas and concepts that are culture-specific. This course will explore Japanese patterns of thought in relationship to the development of religious behaviour and practices.

Learning outcomes: Students will become familiar with the beginnings of the current major religions in Japan (Shinto and Buddhism), the way they developed, and the way in which they influence life in contemporary society.

Subtitle and Keywords of the Class

history, religion, Shinto, Buddhism

Course Overview and Schedule

1. Class overview. History, religion, philosophy
2. Animism
3. Patterns of thought in ancient Japan (Jomon, Yayoi)
4. Japanese mythology and shamanism
5. Japanese mythology and the Imperial Family
6. The Introduction of Buddhism
7. Kami and Buddhas
8. Buddhism-- major schools
9. Midterm
10. Shugendo
11. Shinto
12. Shinto and nationalism
13. Hidden Christians
14. Presentations
15. Review and final discussion

In-person/Remote Classification

In-person

Implementation Method and Remote Credit Limit Application

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

Uses of Generative AI

Limited permission for use

Precautions for using Generative AI

AI may be used for the purpose of translating materials or identifying sources (which must be verified with the original document/ text) ONLY.

Textbook

Class materials will be distributed by the instructor.

References

1. The Bloomsbury Handbook of Japanese Religions (ed. Fabio Rambelli)
2. Encyclopedia of Shinto https://d-museum.kokugakuin.ac.jp/eos/
3. Fukuta, Ajio, Yoriko Kanda, Takanori Shintani, Mutsuko Nagomi, Yoji Yukawa, Yoshio Watanabe. 2000. Nihon Minzoku Daijiten Tokyo: Yoshikawa Kôbunkan
4. Hardacre, Helen. 2017. Shinto. A History. Oxford University Press
5. Inagaki Hideo. 2007. A Dictionary of Japanese Buddhist Terms. Berkley: Stone Bridge Press

Contents and Estimated Time for Pre- and Post- Learning (Preparation and Review)

Students are expected to spend approximately 60 minutes reading the indicated texts for each class.

Contents of Active Learning

Depending on circumstances, a field trip to a shrine/ temple or museum might be scheduled as part of the course.

Grading Criteria and Methods

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

Contribution to class activities, presentations 20%

Midterm 30%

Final exam 50%

How to Disclose Assignments and Exam Results

On Universal Passport and in class (individually)

Precautions and Requirements for Course Registration

Practical Education

N/A

Remarks

In cases where any differences arise between the English version and the original Japanese version, the Japanese version shall prevail as the official authoritative version.

Syllabus data