This course treats the development of Japanese culture from earliest times to the early 19th century in the context of the major political and social forces that moulded the country's history. The course covers major periods and cultural epochs of Japanese history, but particular attention will be paid to samurai culture and systems of social control from the 12th century onwards. The themes to be covered include the formation and the evolving conceptions of Japan's identity, politics, economic development, social trends, and religion, as well as Japan's interaction with Asian and European civilizations. The course aims to provide students with a basic factual knowledge in Japanese history and to assist them in understanding modern Japanese society in its historical context to develop the ability to assess and think critically about historical issues.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Obtain significant empirical knowledge of the course of events constituting the rise and fall of Samurai society
- Understand the basic historical and comparative context of Japanese pre-modern history.
- Analyse historical events and undergo formative assessment in the form of essay writing.
- Develop an understanding of the dynamics of social and political structure of pre-modern Japan.
- Learn to apply this understanding to the analysis of Japanese society today.
Other Information
This is a co-taught course. Any cap on enrolments in one course applies to both courses combined.
Indicative Assessment
- Essay (3500 words) (60) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Oral presentation on a chosen topic (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Class Participation (10) [LO 2,3,4,5]
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 class is 130 hours including in class time (35 hours) and independent study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
n/a
Areas of Interest
- Non Language Asian Studies
- Cultural Studies
- History
- Asian Studies
- Asia Pacific Studies
- Asia-Pacific Studies
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 |
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.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8226 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |