Contemporary Japan (JAPN20005)

This subject examines basic themes in contemporary Japanese society, as well as commonly used theoretical models. Topics for discussion include the tension between individuals and collective society; notions of regional, gender and age-based status identities and the effects of social change. Students are expected to think critically about current events in Japan and apply these ideas to their own culture and society.

This subject is taught two times per year. It is available either as a semester-long subject taught on the Parkville campus or as an overseas subject taught at Hokkaido University, Japan. Enrollment in the overseas intensive option is by application to Professor Akihiro Ogawa akihiro.ogawa@unimelb.edu.au and limited to a maximum of 20 students. The application deadline is 31 January 2019. Applications are not accepted after this date.