JAP4320 – Modern Japan Through Novels
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course focuses on the study of literary fiction as a window into modern Japanese culture and society. It presents a range of different approaches to examining the relationship between literary texts and their social and political contexts. It explores patterns of literary production and audience reception to reflect on how works of fiction are an expression of the society from which they emerge, but also how they in turn affect that society, contributing to either reinforcing or subverting existing social formations. The course focuses on a close reading of a selection of representative novels by modern and contemporary authors in relation to social, political, economic, and cultural developments in Japan, such as changing gender norms, youth subcultures, environmental challenges, the impact of natural disasters on society, or transformations in workplace cultures.
Learning outcome
- You will gain an understanding of modern and contemporary Japanese culture and society as it is portrayed in literary works, including graphic novels.
- You will learn how to perform a close reading of literary and visual texts and situate them in their social, political, economic, and cultural context.
- You will learn to reflect on how literature reflects and affects society.
- You will develop advanced academic writing and discussion skills.
- You will become familiar with a few core modern Japanese novels.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Please see the admission requirements defined by the programme option Japanese studies.
Teaching
Teaching is given in the form of lectures and seminars (one double lesson a week over 12 weeks).The course is conducted in English. The readings are a combination of English and Japanese.
Compulsory activity:
Written assignment: An outline of the final paper with a related list of sources
Compulsory attendance: You are required to attend 80% of the seminar teaching. In this course, you must attend 10 out of 12 seminars.
Approval of the compulsory draft of the term paper is only valid for the current semester. If you retake the course, you must submit a new draft in the semester in which you are taking the exam.
You will find more information about the requirements for the compulsory assignment(s) and the submission deadline in Canvas.
All compulsory activities must be approved to qualify for the exam. It is your responsibility to verify that you have obtained approval for all compulsory activities.
Absence from compulsory activities:
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules regarding absence from compulsory activities, to prevent being excluded from teaching and losing your eligibility to take the exam.
More information on compulsory activities at the University of Oslo:
The approved compulsory activity remains valid for the two following semesters in which the course is offered. However, exceptions may arise if the course undergoes changes in its assessment format, teaching, or other significant modifications.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Term paper
The assignment should consist of 10 pages. One standard page is approximately 2300 characters without spaces, including references. The front page and bibliography are not included in the page count.
The detailed information regarding the exam format will be announced on Canvas.
The paper should include analysis of a subject based on both Japanese primary sources and English secondary sources.The subject of the term paper should be approved by the teacher.
You must submit the exam in Inspera - see guides for digital exams
You are personally responsible for familiarizing yourself with the requirements and deadlines for the exam.
All compulsory activities must be completed and approved in order to take the exam.
You can find more information about the exam on the semester page of the course.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.