GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

We will draw on a "social constructionist" framework and examine how certain social problems have been discovered, defined, and dealt with in post-war Japan. We begin the course by providing an overview of sociological approaches, in particular, a social constructionist approach to social problems, and critically examining Nihonjin-ron (theories of Japanese-ness) to provide frameworks for approaching Japanese social problems. We will then discuss specific Japanese social problems around the family, education, youth, gender, work, and aging Japan.
The aim of this course is to take critical perspectives into representations of Japanese social problems, particularly in the media, through taking a constructionist approach.

By the end of the course, students will be able to explain the "social constructionist" framework and apply it for making sense of Japanese social problems in post-war Japan. It is expected that students will develop a nuanced understanding of contemporary Japanese society through critically examining the social problems from sociological/ anthropological perspectives.

英語 / English

Classes will primarily be based on discussions rather than lectures. It is therefore expected that students come to class having done the assigned reading and ready to discuss them. There will be some reading or thinking notes due for each class to aid students in class discussion and their final assignment. Every student will make a presentation or write a paper on a chosen topic. Feedback will be given on the Learning Management System for assignments submitted on the Learning Management System, and in class for work done in class (e.g. presentations).

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.[対面/face to face]：Introduction

Making sense of Japanese social problems　

2.[対面/face to face]：Sociological Approaches to Social Problems

Introduction to the social constructionist perspective on social problems (self introduction due)

3.[対面/face to face]：Approaches to Japanese Society: Nihonjin-ron

Overview of key concepts in Nihonjin-ron

4.[対面/face to face]：Critical Approaches to Japanese Society

Overview of critiques against Nihonjin-ron

5.[対面/face to face]：A Case Study of a Japanese Social Problem

Lecture and reading by professor, and students' generated materials

6.[対面/face to face]：Approaching Japanese Social Problems

Discussion of media reports on Japanese social problems (article assignment 1)

7.[対面/face to face]：Rethinking Motherhood and the Japanese Family

Examining gendered division of labor in the home through a case study of child abuse

8.[対面/face to face]：Suffering School-children

Examining ijime (bullying), futoko (school non-attendance), and violence in schools

9.[対面/face to face]：Education and "Internationalization"

Examining kikokushijo (returnees), their problems and privileges

10.[対面/face to face]：Otaku: From a "Moral Panic" to "Cool Japan"

Examining shifting interpretations of otaku subcultures

11.[対面/face to face]：LGBTQIA+: Accepted or Not?

Examining shifting perspectives on LGBTQIA+ issues

12.[対面/face to face]：Gender & Work

Examining the salaryman masculinity through a
case study of karoshi (death due to overtime work)

13.[対面/face to face]：Challenges of an Aging Society

Examining "good death" and care for the elderly

14.[対面/face to face]：Summing up

Summary and discussion of media reports on Japanese social problems (article assignment 2)

Students are expected to complete regular reading assignments prior to class and to be ready for productive discussions on the assigned readings. They will need to prepare reading/thinking notes for each class. Students will make a presentation and do a final project to be decided based on the skills and interests of the students. Students should expect to spend roughly 4 hours per week for preparation/review outside of class.

We will not use a textbook. Required readings will be provided by the instructor.

Goodman, Roger, Yuki Imoto, and Tuukka H. I. Toivonen. A Sociology of Japanese Youth: From Returnees to NEETs. London: Routledge, 2012.

Active class participation: 10%
In class activity, including reading notes: 40%
Presentation(s): 10%
Final project: 40%

Students gave positive feedback on discussions and flexibility of topics, so I will continue to include discussions and topic flexibility in the course.

We will use the Learning Management System available from the university.

You must attend the first class if you are interested in the course. We may have student selection in the first class, depending on the number of interested students.