Brand new university-wide elective module ‘Gateways to Japan’ started!
21 January 2019
We are very excited to announce that the UCD Japan Group’s first credit-bearing elective module, Gateways to Japan (DSCY10080), commences in January 2019 (Semester 2, 2018/19)!
Module descriptor: Japan has a unique strategic position in Asia at a time of rapid global geo-political shift and increasing projected growth in 21st century Asian dominance. Japan has a very stable and successful political and economic system with a highly developed and innovative science and technology sector. Its education system includes some of the most elite university institutions in the world. Its ancient and rich cultural heritage is renowned and admired; more recently, innovation in the creative industries sector highlights Japan’s status as a global cultural force. In the next five years, Japan will host the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Olympics and Para-Olympics in 2020. This module introduces students to key aspects of contemporary Japan from social, political, economic and cultural perspectives. It provides general information about life in Japan, with the themes ranging from Japanese language, history, literature, business, diplomacy, pop and traditional culture, healthcare, science & technology and education. It seeks to locate Japan, not as a country far away in the Far East, but as a country lived, experienced, and analysed by Irish and non-Japanese people, as well as by Japanese themselves. There will be some guest lecturers who are experts in different disciplines and have seen Japan through different lenses. The module therefore is designed in particular to sensitise students to one of the major Asian cultures, and provides those from all disciplines with an opportunity to reflect on the Irish society from a comparative perspective. The module gives students a good grounding in inter-cultural communications and will also prepare students for further studies in Asian history, politics, policy research and business.
The module is coordinated by two Co-Chairs of the UCD Japan Group, Assoc. Prof. Emma Sokell (Physics) and Dr Naonori Kodate (Social Policy), in collaboration with Ms Nobuko Ijichi (Japanese language and culture). UCD Japan committee members and guest lecturers will contribute. Special thanks to Mr Hugo O’Donnell (Applied Language Centre, UCD Japan Group and Experience Japan Festival Committee (Chair)).