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Undergraduate spring application deadline is December 1 for spring term.

HIST 371 Understanding Modern Japan

After examining the underlying social, economic, political and cultural foundations from which a modern industrial nation emerged, this course considers Japan's imperialist adventure, its rebirth in the post-war era and the structures and forces which define Japan's position in the world. It includes study of the education system; business management practices; popular culture; economic and political trends; changes made to women's lives as Japan moved into industrialization; women's contributions to society and their current roles and status; and the development of modern classes.

Prerequisites

4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 1, 1998 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Can analyze such global issues as imperialism, industrialization, capitalism, democracy, modernity, World War II, post-colonialism, the Cold War, and post-industrialism from a Japanese perspective, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
  • Can describe and analyze political, economic, and socio-cultural elements which influenced state-society relations within Japan as well as the interaction between Japan and the outside world from the Tokugawa era to the present, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of historical, cultural, and ideological concepts and institutions, such as the Way of the Warrior, the emperor system, and Shinto, which have shaped a distinct Japanese society, past and present, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
  • Learns to be a world citizen by understanding different approaches to certain problems reflecting unique historical, political, and socio-cultural backgrounds, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 8: Global Perspective

  • Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  • Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
  • Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

Fall 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Understanding Modern Japan Wang, Gengwu Books for HIST-371-50 Fall 2024 Course details for HIST-371-50 Fall 2024