Culture of Japan I
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course explores the ideas and works of modern and contemporary intellectuals, artists and institutional authorities (not only from Japan, but also from other countries) who, in accordance with their professional role, provided their personal interpretation of Japanese culture, aligning or not with the socio-cultural and ideological mainstream of their times. The goal of the course is to provide new and alternative insights into Japanese culture, so that students can form their own critical opinion on the transformations and identity crises of Japan from the 16th century to the present.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a broad and detailed knowledge of secondary sources (short stories, travel journals, letters, private notes, non-official diplomatic reports) and their characteristics, in a comparative perspective. Thanks to this knowledge, students will become familiar with the processes that contributed to shaping Japan's identity, as well as with its difficult relationship with international actors.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into two modules. The first module examines ideas and writings of intellectuals, artists, and institutional figures who, within their respective professional fields, have provided interpretations of Japanese culture during the modern or contemporary era—either aligned with or in opposition to the socio-cultural or ideological mainstream of their historical contexts. The second module focuses on the study of Japanese sociological thought. Through the reading and discussion of selected texts by Japanese scholars, the course aims to develop the ability to critically analyze modern and contemporary Japanese society using the tools of the social sciences.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is aimed at students who already have a good knowledge of modern and contemporary Japanese history. For this purpose, it is strongly recommended to read Rosa Caroli and Francesco Gatti, Storia del Giappone, Laterza 2017 (updated and expanded edition); alternatively, Andrea Revelant, Il Giappone moderno dall'Ottocento al 1945, Einaudi 2018.
Teaching methods
Classroom lessons will be conducted by the instructors. Some lessons on specific topics will be given by experts invited by the instructors.
Teaching Resources
Reading materials in two volumes edited by the instructors
Assessment methods and Criteria
At the end of the course, students will be required to pass a written exam. The exam aims to assess their critical thinking skills and ability to form independent judgments—developed through the debates suggested and led by the instructor during the lessons—regarding the processes of constructing Japan's identity, its complex relationship with international realities and the main debates concerning modern and contemporary Japanese society.
L-OR/22 - JAPANESE AND KOREAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Cavaliere Paola, Sica Virginia
Professor(s)
Reception:
Student consultation is every Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., only by appointment to be made in advance by e-mail: [email protected]
DLLCM Room 5007
Reception:
To make an appointment, please write to [email protected]