JPN2004 : Contemporary Japanese Popular Culture
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Gitte Marianne Hansen
- Lecturer: Dr Shiro Yoshioka
- Owning School: Modern Languages
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The primary aim of this module is to familiarise the students with contemporary Japanese popular culture and help them develop skills allowing them to critically study this field academically. Japanese popular culture is an ever changing field and students are expected to bring their own knowledge of Japanese popular culture to class discussions.
Transmediality is today a central factor for understanding Japanese popular culture and in this module we will study the characteristics and interrelationship between different media types such manga, anime, TV productions and cyber culture. The module will also introduce basic theories and concepts for critical analysis of popular cultural texts as well as cultural, social and historical background of different media types in contemporary Japan. This module will prepare students for their social and cultural experiences in Japan by helping them to develop a critical attitude toward the study of contemporary Japan. While original materials may be introduced, all required reading materials, lectures and assessments will be in English.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module is structured to cover various elements of media types in contemporary Japan such as manga, anime, music, TV productions and so forth.
A detailed syllabus will be available in the module handbook.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 18 | 2:00 | 36:00 | Short lectures, guided reading etc |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Present in person: students lead presentations and discussion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Synchronous online: to discuss lectures and reading materials or worksheet answers |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Including worksheets, short screening etc |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synchronous online |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 98:00 | 98:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The short lectures given as synchronous online time will provide the students with knowledge of theory, historical and cultural background which are necessary for critical thinking on the topics.
Present in person scheduled seminars will allow students to take lead and present their thoughts and to learn how to lead a discussion and therefore students will be asked to do presentations that can open up to a general discussion on issues related to contemporary Japanese popular culture with their peers.
The synchronous online scheduled time allows students in an informal environment to ask questions about the materials they have been asked to read and view as part of the non-synchronous online activities. This includes the two online sessions on academic writing and how to present effectively.
In drop-in surgeries, the students can seek advice from the lecturers on the coursework.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | A | 100 | 2500 word essay. To be submitted at the end of the semester. |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | Student presentations and student-led discussions |
| Oral Presentation | 2 | M | Student presentations and student-led discussions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay will allow students to demonstrate a solid knowledge of contemporary Japanese culture and society, developed via critical analysis of popular cultural texts. Goal setting & action planning, independence and active learning will be tested together with written skills, critical thinking, innovation and creativity and self-awareness and reflection.
The oral presentation will test students’ skills in orally presenting information in a limited period of time in a coherent and succinct manner. They are also expected to show leadership abilities by taking charge of the following discussion.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- JPN2004's Timetable