HIST 589 - Culture and Modernity in Japan: 1868 to Recent Times

3 credits

It is conventional to say that Japan’s success in the modern world arises from successful imitation. It is true that the foundations of Japan’s success were laid at a time (in the late nineteenth century) when imitation of all aspects of Western civilization was almost a craze in Japan. But what tensions are created when a country with an ancient, and distinctive, culture suddenly makes wholesale borrowings from the modern West? This course, by exploring the perceived tensions between Japanese tradition and imported Western values from 1868 until recent times, will help students understand the real complexities of Japan’s modern history.

Note
No previous knowledge of Japanese history will be assumed. NOTE: Courses in the 500 series are open to undergraduate students as *400 series. Graduate students are required to do additional work of a research nature. A course completed at the 400 level may not be taken at the 500 level with the same instructor.

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