Bachelor of Arts in International Studies major in Japanese Studies
Degree Codes: Program- ABIS Plan- ABIS-JPS
Elementary Nihongo 1 JAPALA1
A course introducing the Japanese phonetic symbols (Hiragana and Katakana), basic sentence patterns, expressions, greetings, different levels of honorific usages, conjunction of verbs, and counting. At the latter part of the course, 150 basic kanji will be introduced together with a number of compound characters. Guided practice in the language laboratory is also included.
Prerequisite: NONE
Elementary Nihongo 2 JAPALA2
This course is basically a continuation of what have been learned in JAPALA1. Specifically, JAPALA2 will continue the study of complex and combined sentences. It will also focus on the improvement of the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of the students.
Prerequisite: JAPALA1
Intermediate Nihongo 1 JAPALA3
This course is basically a continuation of what have been taken up in JAPALA2. Specifically, JAPALA3 will continue the study of basic sentence patterns and grammar covered from lessons 15 to 20 of the textbook Minna No Nihongo. It will focus on the improvement of the speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills of the students.
Prerequisite: JAPALA2
Intermediate Nihongo 2 JAPALA4
This course is a continuation of what has been learned in JAPALA3. It will reinforce the reading and writing skills of the students especially in reference to the use of complex and compound sentences. The conversational skills of the student will continue to be improved. Another set of 150 kanji will be studied. Skill in listening will also be developed.
Prerequisite: JAPALA3
Japanese Government and Politics JAGOPOL
This course seeks to understand the dynamics of Japanese government and politics be reviewing the Japanese political development experience. It will explore the historical and socio-cultural background of the Japanese as a framework of reference prior to studying the various political and governmental institutions in Japan. It will also examine the continuity and change in postwar Japanese political development with the aim of mapping out the basic trajectories of the state and civil society at various historical junctures.
Prerequisite: NONE
Japanese Literature JAPALIT
Begins with a survey of classical library forms of “Kojiki” (7th century AD, Nara Era) and “Genji Monogarati” (11th century, Heian Era) as the classic of Japanese literature and mythology. After this, there will be a study of “waka” poetry form (Heian Era); “haiku” poetry form (Edo Era), and selected contemporary Japanese novelists (e.g. Mishimi, Kawabata, etc.).
Prerequisite: NONE
Japanese Society and Culture JAPASOC
This course examines the casual factors which affect the way of thinking of the Japanese people and the value system of Japanese society. The course is divided into three parts. In the first part, the course provides insights into the traditional values of Japanese culture. The second part is based upon the hypothesis that the lifestyle, language, and social conduct of the present Japanese are significantly a legacy of traditional values. The third part deals with Japanese rationale of current international issues.
Prerequisite: NONE
Advanced Nihongo 1 JAPALA5
Involves the reading short and simple compositions in Japanese, including newspaper items. More complex reading materials will be introduced at the latter part of the course. Emphasis will be materials on social sciences and business. Knowledge of kanji and compound characters will be strengthened.
Prerequisite: JAPALA4
Japanese Cinema JAPCINE
This course aims to provide an introduction to one of the major national cinemas in the context of its multiple relationship to post-war Japanese culture and society. It will link familiar critical categories such as authorship, genre, stardom, art and popular cinema to the specificities of Japanese film culture at a time when both definitions of Japanese cinema and nationhood were in a state of flux and transition.
Prerequisite: NONE
Japanese Economic History JAPECON
This course looks into the emergence of modern Japanese capitalism during the 9th century until 1905 (the year of the Russo-Japanese War). This is followed by a survey of economic development and changes until 1945. The Japanese postwar reconstruction until 1965 is then discussed. Japan’s experience in technological exchange in the 19th and 20th century will be given emphasis along with the abrogation of unequal treaties. The peculiarities of Japanese capitalism will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: NONE
Japanese History JAPAHIS
Surveys the history of Japan from the Yamato Era (around the second half of the 4th century AD when Japanese nation first emerged and until the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the 19th century). The second half of the course concentrates on the internal and external political history of the Meiji Era, Taisho Era and the Showa Era until the outbreak of the Second World War.
Prerequisite: NONE
Advanced Nihongo 2 JAPALA6
This courses focus on the integrated application of skills learned in previous Japanese languages courses. Students are guided more thoroughly on a academic writing and reading skills.
Prerequisite: JAPALA5
Japan-Philippine Foreign Relations JAPHIRE
This course focuses on selected topics concerning Japan and its relationship with the Philippines. Among them are: 1) history of Philippine-Japan relations from earliest recorded time until the second world war; 2) the impact of Japan on Philippine economic development; 3) conflict and convergence of interest between Japan and the major powers and Japan and the Philippines in the context of contemporary international relations; and 4) comparative study of Philippine and Japanese political philosophy and culture (literature, arts, religion, including educational system in Japan). This course requires the students to submit a project/concept paper on Japanese Studies at the end of the term.
Prerequisite: NONE
Research on Japanese Studies (JRESMET)
Following the research methods subjects, the students are now required to write a minimum of 50-page thesis on a chosen topic of Japanese studies.
Prerequisite: NONE
Advanced Nihongo 3 & 4 JAPALA7 & 8
This course intensively drills the students on the skills of writing, speaking, and reading, and will deal more with complicated academic reading material. The students are then prepared for the Japanese proficiency exam.
Prerequisite: JAPALA 6
Japanese Research 1 & Japanese Research 2 JAPRES1 & JAPRES2
Both are intensive consultative courses work of students.
Pre-requisite: (RESMETH, JAPANESE RESEARCH 1)
Japanese Studies Electives JAPLEC 1 & 2
Contemporary Japanese Economy
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the Japanese economy by reviewing history, political framework, economic institutions, social and cultural factors. Pre-requisite for students is the knowledge of introductory macro and microeconomics.
Diplomatic History of Japan
The course will look at Japan in its various historical periods of negotiating and interacting with other nations. Specifically, the course will focus on the policies and issues and resolutions Japan dealt with through the decades.
Foreign Relations of Modern Japan
Political, strategic, economic, and psychological dimensions of Japanese foreign relations from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) to the present with an emphasis on contemporary affairs.
Issues in Japanese Business and Economics
This course explores current issues in Japanese business and economics through readings from academic journals.
Japan and East Asia
The course will examine the political, social and historical relations of Japan with its neighboring countries in East Asia.
Japanese Performing Arts
This course provides an overview of the many performing arts of Japan from religious and court performances through Noh, Kyogen, pupper theater. Kabuki and modern folk performances and the all-female Takarazuka theater.
Japanese Pop Culture
The course looks into the production of cultural icons and their effects on Japan behavior. The forms include manga, pop music, games and various entertainments.
Japanese Religion and Philosophy
Explores the various religious of Japan as examined through their origins and influences.
Teaching Japanese Language
This course introduces the students to the techniques and methods of reading Japanese as a foreign language.
Themes in Modern Literature
This course examines the literary experience of Japan vis-à-vis the radical historical changes the occurred starting in the Meiji period. The course particularly focuses on writers like Kawabata, Soseki, and Tanizuki and their construction of Japanese identity.
Women’s Issues in Contemporary Japan
This course will investigate problems Japanese women face today. Several issues will be covered in the readings and class discussions including such topics as Japanese women’s history women and marriage, women in the workplace and pornography and the sex industry.