Keio University Syllabus and Timetable

ADVANCED READINGS IN JAPANESE HISTORY(ENGLISH) 1

SubtitleAdvanced Readings in Japanese History (English) 1
Lecturer(s)DORNETTI, FILIPPO
Credit(s)1
Academic Year/Semester2026 Spring
Day/PeriodThu.5
CampusMita
Class FormatOnline classes (mainly real-time format)
Registration Number94913
Faculty/Graduate SchoolLETTERS
Department/MajorHUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCEJAPANESE HISTORY
Year Level2, 3, 4
FieldSPECIALIZED SUBJECTS
Grade TypeThis item will appear when you log in (Keio ID required).
Course DescriptionThis course will equip you with a trend of overseas historical research by reading academic papers on Japanese history intensively.
K-Number FLT-JH-34122-222-03
Course AdministratorFaculty/Graduate SchoolFLTLETTERS
Department/MajorJHHUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCEJAPANESE HISTORY
Main Course NumberLevel3Third-year level coursework
Major Classification4Specialist Education Applied/Developmental Course
Minor Classification12Common to Japanese History Majors - Japanese History Reading Seminar in English
Subject Type2Elective required subject
Supplemental Course InformationClass Classification2Lecture
Class Format2Online classes (mainly real-time format)
Language of Instruction2English
Academic Discipline03History, archaeology, museology, and related fields

Course Contents/Objectives/Teaching Method/Intended Learning Outcome

This is a reading course taught in English and designed for students of Japanese history. The goal of the class is for students to read and comprehend authentic historical documents from Japan’s past. It serves two purposes. First, it allows students to familiarise themselves with key concepts and issues in English-language historical research on Japan. Second, it improves students’ ability to read historical texts in English. Both purposes are fundamental prerequisites for conducting independent research.

Drawing on primary and secondary sources, history textbooks, and academic and historical texts in English (from the late nineteenth century onward), the course allows students to discuss key conceptual terminology in the field of history, as well as major developments in Japanese history and their connections to more recent social and economic issues. The topics may cover a variety of historical periods, ranging from Tokugawa period to Shōwa era, from the foundation of the modern state to the postwar long economic boom.

Course Taught by Faculty Member with Professional Experience

Not applicable

Active Learning MethodsDescription

Discussions, Debates
Group work

Preparatory Study

Preliminary knowledge of modern and contemporary Japanese history is recommended.

Course Plan

Lesson 1
Session 1: Introduction / Explanation of class’s purpose
Lesson 2
Session 2: reading of an Edo-period historical source I
Lesson 3
Session 3: reading of an Edo-period historical source II
Lesson 4
Session 4: reading of a Meiji-period historical source I
Lesson 5
Session 5: reading of a Meiji-period historical source II
Lesson 6
Session 6: reading of a Taisho-period historical source I
Lesson 7
Session 7: reading of a Taisho-period historical source II
Lesson 8
Session 8: reading of a historical source on Japanese colonialism I
Lesson 9
Session 9: reading of a historical source on Japanese colonialism II
Lesson 10
Session 10: reading of a World War II–period historical source I
Lesson 11
Session 11: reading of a World War II–period historical source II
Lesson 12
Session 12: reading of a postwar occupation–period historical source I
Lesson 13
Session 13: reading of a postwar occupation–period historical source II
Lesson 14
Session 14: reading of a postwar historical source
Other
Session 15: Course Summary

Method of Evaluation

The final evaluation will be based on the degree of each student’s participation in class activities.

Generative AI Policy for Classes

AI devices will not be used during class activities.

Textbooks

佐伯彰一, 芳賀徹. Masterpieces on Japan by foreign authors : from Goncharov to Pinguet. Singapore, Singapore, Springer, 2023, ISBN9789811998522.

Reference Books

Totman, Conrad D. A history of Japan. Second edition., Malden, Massachusetts, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2013, ISBN1119022339.
Further reading material will be presented in the first session of the course.

Lecturer's Comments to Students

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Question/Comments

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