The Tokugawa World, 1600-1868
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| HIST2019 | History | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- HIST2019
- School
- History
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module covers two-and-a-half centuries in Japan during the early modern era when the land was governed by a dynasty of Tokugawa shogun rulers. Often characterized as a period of relative stability, it was also a time of profound social, cultural and intellectual change. Lectures and seminars address some of the historical forces that would combine to transform society and lay the foundations for Japans subsequent encounters with modernity. Key themes include: the premises of Tokugawa rule, control mechanisms and relations with daimyo lords; the self-imposed policy of seclusion, trade and external relations; transport networks, class mobility and urbanization; the emergence of the Floating World and the growth of popular culture; natural disasters, famine and economic crises; the responses of competing schools of thought drawing on Japanese, Chinese and European texts to address problems within Japanese society; the Opening of Japan and the collapse of the Tokugawa World.
Target Students
Only available to level 2 single or joint honours History students, Liberal Arts students or Exchange students hosted by the Deparment of History.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Teaching on this module ties in with Doing History, a series of lectures and seminars designed to: i) develop your awareness of both the craft of the historian and the discipline of history; ii) refine your key historical skills, including essay-writing, source analysis and critical reflection; and iii) support you in your development as a historian through your second year and into the third.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Piece of individually assessed coursework
- 50% Coursework 1: Piece of individually assessed coursework
- 50% Coursework 2: Piece of individually assessed coursework
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the social, cultural and political forces in Japan under Tokugawa rule; to introduce them to competing interpretations of social and political development during the early modern era; and to foster an awareness of relevant historiographical debates in the field so as to develop the intellectual and transferable skills listed below.Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and understanding. By the end of the module students should be able to:
- explain and interpret the major underlying forces that shaped Japanese politics, society and culture between 1600 and 1868 and demonstrate an understanding of important historical changes that took place at that time
- reflect on the nature of History as a discipline
b. Intellectual skills. By the end of the module students should be able to:
- think critically and imaginatively about Tokugawa Japan
- identify and address key problems relevant to the period
- interpret secondary sources on Tokugawa Japan and be aware of differing historical interpretations
- construct coherent and independent historical arguments of their own
c. Professional/practical skills. The module will develop students' ability to:
- select, sift and synthesise information from a range of secondary sources
- identify and compare key arguments in those materials
- demonstrate appropriate IT proficiency in completing historical assignments
d. Transferable skills. The module will also develop students' ability to:
- manage a large and disparate body of information
- express themselves clearly, coherently and fluently in writing essays and group discussions
- work and learn actively with others
- manage and take responsibility for their own learning
- use IT to word process for research and presentation purposes