Course syllabus

 WELCOME TO HISTORY 707 AB SOCIAL LIFE IN EARLY MODERN JAPAN

 

Convenor: Ellen Nakamura (Room 423, Arts 2)

Email: e.nakamura@auckland.ac.nz Phone ext. 87518

Office hours: Mondays and Fridays, 10-11

Class Meetings: Tuesdays 10-12 in Semester 1; Tuesdays 11-1 in Semester 2 (Check SSO for updates and locations).

 

Overview

This course examines the lives, life stories and life cycles of Tokugawa Japanese. How did people choose to live and what kinds of factors shaped their choices? Readings are structured around the life experiences of Japanese people during this period, with a view to exploring how the patterns and turning points of life — such as birth, work, love, marriage, illness, and death— were interpreted in the past and written about by historians. The course will consider themes in recent history writing with attention to scholarship written both inside and outside Japan. We will read from a variety of historical genres, but a major feature will be biographical studies and primary sources in translation. No knowledge of the Japanese language is necessary.

 

Class Format and Objectives

The course revolves around a thematic program of reading in English. Class will consist of both structured and informal discussion of the readings and sometimes more formal presentations by the lecturer. Classes aim both to increase your knowledge of the social history of Japan, and to enhance your ability to engage with a variety of historiographical approaches more generally. In addition, you will develop your oral, written, and critical research skills through the completion of formal assignments.

Readings have been chosen for their interest as well as the variety of perspectives which they represent. At all times you are encouraged to consider both the content matter and the writer’s methodology. What kinds of texts or historical evidence have been used and why? How effectively has the author used them? What can the reading tell us about past lives in Japan? What can it not tell us? How successful are the readings as pieces of history writing, or what is their value as primary sources? The seminar questions have been designed to get you thinking, but they should not limit your scope for informal discussion in class.

 

Assessment tasks

You will write two formal essays: one essay of 2,000 words based on one of the seminar topics in the first semester, and one major research essay of 5,000 words in the second semester. In addition, you will write at least six short, graded discussion posts of no more than 300 words each (three in each semester) which must be submitted before midnight on the day before class. If you contribute more than six posts then your best six marks will count towards the assessment mark. You will also be awarded a seminar participation mark for the preparation and effort which you put into each class. A detailed explanation of the assessment criteria will be provided for each assignment.

 

Seminar schedule

Week 1 Overview

Week 2 Lordly lives

Week 3 Samurai stories

Week 4 A rural life

Week 5 Merchants

Week 6 Women's lives

Week 7 Reflections on historiography

Week 8 Birth

Week 9 Childhood

Week 10 Housing and Clothing

Week 11 Eating

Week 1, sem 2 Getting Educated

Week 2, sem 2 Warrior Work

Week 3, sem 2, Commoners and Masculinity

Week 4, sem 2, Love and Sex

Week 5, sem 2, Getting Married

Week 6, sem 2, Getting Divorced

Week 7, sem 2, Getting Sick

Week 8, sem 2, Bereavement

Week 9, sem 2, Memorialising the Dead

Week 10, sem 2, Essay Workshop

 

Readings

The essential readings for each week are laid out in each module of Canvas. All essential readings are available electronically. You will need to bring them with you to class so please either print them out or bring your laptop to class. An extended list of other recommended readings and resources is also available on the reading list for this course. Please make use of this lists when preparing your essays and assignments.

 

Academic Honesty at The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland takes academic honesty very seriously. Make sure you are fully informed about what constitutes plagiarism and how to reference appropriately. The penalties for plagiarism are severe and can range from gaining no marks for the assignment to disciplinary action under the terms of the Examination Regulations. Please be sure to read the information here:

All assignments in this course will be checked against the Turnitin.com database. Turnitin.com is an electronic plagiarism detection service that is used by universities world-wide. When a student’s assignment is turned in to the system it is matched against millions of Internet pages, databases and a constantly increasing database of all previously and concurrently submitted assignments. Teaching staff receive a report from Turnitin that can be used as a resource to assist staff in making a judgement as to whether a student’s work is plagiarised.

 

Use of Information and Communications Technology eg Class Facebook Pages.

Sometimes students wish to set up a Facebook page for the course. Participating in such pages is completely optional and will not be monitored by teaching staff. Student who choose to participate should be aware that University regulations regarding the acceptable use of IT will apply, as outlined in the  policy documents here.

 

Policy on Late Work

Managing your workload is part of becoming a successful student. Plan ahead to complete your assignments on time. All students are expected to hand in work by the due date and time. If this is not possible, you must contact your lecturer before the work is due and discuss your situation. Students who have a good reason and who have been attending regularly will generally be given an extension. Those who do not meet the criteria or do not seek an extension will have late penalties applied.

 

SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

In this course, we will follow a paperless method and all assignments and coursework should be uploaded electronically to Canvas. Your work will be marked and returned to you online. You do not need to submit a hard copy or use a coversheet. It’s very helpful if you could please include your chosen TOPIC for your essay/assignment in the title of your submission.

 

Further Resources for History Students

History Society

The History society is a student led group of enthusiastic history students. For more information, see their website uoahistory.co.nz/

Histeria!

History publishes an edited collection of the best student essays submitted in History courses during the previous year. By showcasing student work in the Department, this publication offers you opportunities to read examples of successful essays, to set a high standard for your own work, and to potentially publish your own essay in next year’s edition. Get your copy here:

Departmental Prizes

The Department awards prizes every year, recognising student achievement in History ranging from the best student in History to accomplishments in specific fields of history, such as New Zealand, European, United States, or Asian history.  For full information on prizes and awards, click here (and scroll down to History).

Te Tumutumu Kōrero

Te Tumutumu Kōrero are Māori in the history department committed to fostering and celebrating pathways, excellence and networks in Māori history. All new Māori students are more than welcome to come along and be a part of the Te Tumutumu Kōrero kaupapa.  For more information, click here.