GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course discusses and examines cultural and ethnic diversity in Japan as institutional, interpersonal and internalized experiences.

At the end of this course, you should be able to:
• Explain such concepts as race/ethnicity, nationalism, minority and diversity
• Explain historical and contemporary issues faced by the indigenous Ainu and Ryukyuan people, former colonial subjects and their descendants, as well as recent immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers
• Analyze various data sources including policies, legislations, historical facts, popular cultural production and personal narratives
• Understand and analyze a complex set of privileges we live with and how differently we are situated in the society accordingly
• Envision different ways to realize equality and equity

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

Although the instructor will provide the basic framework in a lecture format, students are expected to actively participate in and contribute to class discussion. This includes asking questions, seeking clarification and offering your critical ideas and interpretation. In addition, a small group of 3-5 individuals will work on 1 presentation on weekly readings. Further directions will be given in class. Verbal and written feedback will be given on assignments.

あり / Yes

あり / Yes

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction: Myth of Homogenous Japan

Course overview, racial/ethnic composition of contemporary Japanese society

2[対面/face to face]：Context and Background

"Introduction: social division and exclusionism in contemporary Japan:

3[対面/face to face]：Japan’s Outcast Group: Buraku

Ian J. Neary, “Chapter 4: Burakumin in contemporary Japan” (pp. 59-83)

4[対面/face to face]：Guest lecture

Burakumin today (Tami Kamikawa, Buraku Heritage)

5[対面/face to face]：Japan’s Indigenous Peoples

Richard M. Siddle, “Chapter 2: The Ainu Indigenous people of Japan” (pp. 21-39)

6[対面/face to face]：(Post-)colonial minority

Joel Matthews, "Chapter 2: Historical structures of exclusion and the colonial Korean (Zainichi) diaspora in modern Japan"

7[対面/face to face]：State and Societal Discrimination

Wooki Park-Kim, "Chapter 3: Ethnic "Korean schools" confront discrimination, hate speech and hate crime: exclusionism from "above and below" in contemporary Japan"
(Conference with Chosun Uni students: TBD)

8[対面/face to face]：Newer Immigrants

Eriko Suzuki, "Chapter 7: Expanding exclusion: from undocumented residents into "imposter" residents"

9[対面/face to face]：Post-1990s: Dawn of “multicultural coexistence” (tabunka kyosei) policy

Chikako Kashiawzaki, “Multicultural Discourse and Policies in Japan: An Assessment of Tabunka Kyo-sei,” The Gakushuin Journal of International Studies (2016), 3: 1-15.

10[対面/face to face]：Tabunka Kyosei examined

Workshop: Are the existing programs really accessible and inclusive?

11[対面/face to face]：Tabunka Kyosei assessment

Group presentation on the findings and analyses

12[対面/face to face]：Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Eri Ishikawa, "Chapter 8: On the refugee and asylum seeker situation in Japan from the standpoint of social exclusion"

13[対面/face to face]：Guest Lecture

On their experience of being asylum seekers in Japan

14[対面/face to face]：Mixed Japanese

Lawrence Yoshitaka Shimoji and Chiho Ogaya, "Chapter 6: Exclusionism targeting international marriage couples and their children"

Weekly reading and group project. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each. Complete all readings prior to attending class in order to make meaningful contribution to discussion.

Cultural and Social Division in Contemporary Japan Rethinking Discourses of Inclusion and Exclusion, Edited By Yoshikazu Shiobara, Kohei Kawabata, Joel Matthews, Routledge, 2020, 6510 yen (kindle). Other reading materials will be distributed by the instructor.

Further reference may be provided based on students’ areas of interest.

Active Participation: 40%
Group Presentation: 30%
Final Exam: 30%

The instructor will distribute assessment sheets to incorporate students' feedback.

None.

Students are allowed 2 absences. These include medical reasons, job interviews, family emergency and train delays. If you arrive late or leave early, each will be counted as one ½ absence. If you miss 20 min of class time, it will be considered as 1 absence. 3 or more absences will result in not-passing. You must complete all the assignments to pass the course. Students with special needs should notify the instructor as early as possible, no later than the third week of the semester.

Our goal in this class will not be to memorize or master a series of clear-cut answers; rather, by engaging in lively discussions, we aim to hone our ability to ask critical questions so as to further develop our skills as writers, readers and thinkers. In order to create such a learning environment, students should speak to each other and the instructor with respect. Abusive and harsh language will not be tolerated.

None.