This course traces the history of Japan from the 17th century to the present, examining the dynamics of the early modern period (Tokugawa era), the Meiji revolution, the political, social and economic transformations of the early 20th century, the tumultuous 1930s and 1940s, and the dynamics of the post-1945 era. Thematic issues to be covered include nation- and empire-building, state-society relations, total war and defeat, the Allied Occupation, Japan in the Cold War, socio-economic and demographic change, intellectual developments, and Japan’s international relations. A key emphasis of the course will be to understand and to position Japan in wider regional and global processes. The course will focus closely on the approaches historians have employed in studying Japan’s modern history. In other words, what social and political theories have historians deployed and why? How have these approaches changed and/or enriched our understanding of modern Japan? The course will pay close attention to some of the ongoing controversies and debates in the historiography of modern Japan. Students will be expected to think critically about both the history of Japan and the approaches historians have adopted.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the key processes, transformations, and themes in Japan's modern history
- Comprehend and critique important scholarly debates about Japan's modern history.
- Critically examine and utilize primary source documents.
- Formulate research questions and conduct independent research in the discipline of history.
- Write academic essays on specific aspects of modern Japanese history.
Other Information
This is a co-taught course. Any cap on enrolments in one course applies to both courses combined.
Indicative Assessment
- Short Historical Essay (1200 words in English or 2400 characters in Japanese) (20) [LO 2,3,5]
- Abstract and Annotated Bibliography (600 words in English or 1200 characters in Japanese) (10) [LO 2,4]
- Individual Research Paper (2400 words in English or 4800 characters in Japanese) (40) [LO 2,4,5]
- Final Exam (30) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The total workload for the course is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Prescribed readings will be available via Wattle
Preliminary Reading
Key textbooks:
- Andrew Gordon, A Modern History of Japan, Oxford University Press, 2019
- William M. Tsutsui ed., A Companion to Japanese History, Blackwell, 2009.
Translated primary sources taken from:
- David Lu ed., Japan: A Documentary History, vol. 2 (JDH), ME Sharpe, 1997.
- Wm. Theodore de Bary, Carol Gluck, and Arthur E. Tiedemann, eds. Sources of Japanese Tradition—Volume 2: 1600-2000, New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2005.
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4080 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $5280 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3687 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |