JPNB55 Selected topics from the study of contemporary Japanese society

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Lenka Vyleťalová, MBA, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Marek Mikeš, Ph.D.
Department of Japanese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Supplier department: Department of Japanese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
each even Tuesday 10:00–13:40 B2.42, except Tue 14. 11.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 24/30, only registered: 1/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course focuses on main social issues in the current Japan. Using the basic social stratification categories (ethnicity, gender, labor market, generation) it looks at the recent developments in the society and especially at the rise in the social disparity. Based on the theoretical basis acquired through lectures, students will then have an opportunity to discuss the related topics in groups and later apply their knowledge while analysing a specific social phenomena from the current Japan.
Learning outcomes
After participating in the course, students will be able to:
understand social processes in contemporary Japan not only at the level of external manifestations, but also in its deeper causal connections;
apply acquired theoretical knowledge and critically analyze the influence of social stratification of society on the possibilities and living conditions of individuals;
compare different types of stratification in Japanese society and reflect on their cultural and historical context.
Syllabus
  • Modul I: Socialization and its mechanisms (19.9.2023)
  • Family as an institution and its changes
  • Education system and the formation of social classes
  • Case study: interpretation of the term shakaijin in Japan

    Modul II: Socioeconomical disparity (17.10.2023)
  • Structure of the labor market
  • Gender as a source of disparity
  • Case study: politics of ‘womenomics’ and its results

    Modul III: Demografic changes (28.11.2023)
  • Population ageing
  • Urbaniztion and the depopulation of the countryside
  • Case study: analysis of the vulnerability of genkai shūraku

    Modul IV: Migration and its impact on Japan (12.12.2023)
  • Main migration waves to Japan
  • Multicultural coexistence
  • Case study: foreign workers in Japanese companies (gaikokujin rōdōsha)
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Baldwin, F. A Allison, A. (eds) (2015) Japan. Precarious Future. New York University Press
  • Japan. Precarious Future.
  • Ishida, H. and Slater, D. (eds) (2011) Social Class in Contemporary Japan. Routledge
  • LIU FARRER, Gracia. Immigrant Japan: Mobility and Belonging in an Ethno-nationalist Society. Cornell University Press, 2020. info
  • HENDRY, Joy. Understanding Japanese society. Edited by Sebastien Boret. 4th ed. London: Routledge, 2013, xx, 235. ISBN 9780203111659. info
Teaching methods
Teoretical preparation - lectures, group discussion, individual study based on instructions, reflection papers.
Assessment methods
Attendance at classes and preparation 20 %, Elaboration of four essays (4x15) 60 %, Final test 20 %
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: konzultace, individuální četba.
Information on course enrolment limitations: Zápis mimo japanistiku je podmíněn souhlasem vyučujícího.
Teacher's information
The lecturer in the present semester is Mgr. Lenka Vyleťalová, Ph.D.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2023/JPNB55