Japan In and Out of Asia, 2 credits

Organiser: Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä

Goals:  To reflect the conceptual historical approach to the topic: Japan is not simply categorized as an Asian country. The lectures aim at exploring in what sense can Japan be said at a specific historical moment to belong to be "Asian" or "something else".

Contents: The lectures deal with the geopolitical and social history of Japan’s relations with its neighbouring countries, and with the shift from a Sino-centric cosmology to a European cosmology, which turned the relevant ”world” into ”Asia”.

The Japanese were quick and successful in embracing this new cosmology, becoming a new colonial and imperialistic power  in the region. Post World War II situation forced a new interpretation of Japan’s relations with its neighbours; this process has not ended yet.

The final lecture on ‘Japanese Politics’, made in 2006, is of course somewhat dated by now, but the tense situation prevailing at the time is good to know even nowadays. Those who are interested can find the newest social and political debates in journals, such as Japan Focus.

Target Group: The students of the Network member universities are eligible to apply. The course is recommended for advanced Bachelor's level students.

Taken as: online lectures, a lecture diary of roughly 10 pages.

Course schedule: Online course from 1.4. - 30.4.2010

Application for the course: A maximum of 40 students will be accepted to the course. Apply by 7 March through online application form LINK>>>

(Students from University of Jyväskylä should register to the course using their own web registration system.)

Before enrolling on the course the students should check with their own home department that this course can be accepted as part of their degree in their own university.