Japanese has a complex and multifaceted culture that influences how the Japanese think, speak, interact and live. This module provides a general but solid foundation and understanding of Japanese culture and society, both from a historical and contemporary perspective. As an introductory module, we pay special attention to a range of topics that include, but are not limited to, language, education, housing and family, work culture and business etiquette, food culture, traditions, cultural values, popular culture, identity and diversity, politics, religious practices, sports and current social issues. This module fosters intercultural awareness, critical thinking and presentation skills. This module is taught in English, and you don't need to be enrolled in a language course to take it.

This module offers an introduction to cultural aspects that inform Japanese society today. It focuses mainly on showcasing the multifaceted nature of Japanese culture by fostering intercultural awareness and critical understanding of a variety of up-to-date information on arts, literature, sports, education, family and food culture, diversity, and more. This is to facilitate more opportunities for (inter)cultural understanding, exchange and learning.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Explain the main aspects of Japanese culture and society and their evolution throughout history. • Demonstrate why and how the topics discussed in class are still relevant today. • Critically analyse various aspects of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture and society. • Conduct independent research in a chosen area of interest on a Japanese culture and society related topic. • Apply effective oral, written and visual communication skills to present coherently and accurately on a detailed topic about Japanese culture and society. • Show evidence of intercultural awareness.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Appreciate Japanese culture and society, as well as their own.

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This module consists of one weekly lecture where the main items of the syllabus are introduced. The module also holds two weekly tutorials where students discuss and critically analyse several aspects of Japanese culture and society and relate them to the main issues dealt with in the lectures. Students learn to problem-solve in small groups while using a number of sources (e.g., news articles, written and oral texts, videos) to help with the understanding and awareness of the differences and similarities between their culture and Japanese culture. Working in small groups fosters inter-personal, collaborative skills and independent learning skills. Becoming familiar with another culture also contributes to cultivating open-minded students. This module is underpinned by a belief in the value of cooperation through discussion, group work and critical thinking. The primary focus of these discussions and group work is to allow participants to explore the topics covered in the face-to-face lectures from the perspective of global citizens in a diverse world (Graduate Attribute: Curious). Students engage in these discussion by articulating issues within in Japan and relating them to the wider context. Students are encouraged to objectively critique and rationalise their arguments and beliefs (Graduate Attribute: Articulate). By sharing their knowledge about and experiences with Japan, students discuss a wide range of issues and topics related to the country and its culture and society. Their shared experiences and newly acquired knowledge is used to develop and shape their understanding of Japan and the world while connecting the topics explored to their own individual disciplines (Graduate Attribute: Agile). Students are encouraged to create their own cultural portfolios and individually look for further information related to the topics covered in class, allowing them to be responsible for their own learning experience (Graduate Attribute: Responsible).