The Rise of Modern Japan 1850s-1990s

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Usually 12.5 points of first-year history or Asian studies.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The overall purpose of this subject is to introduce the history of Japan from the mid to late 19th century to recent times. The emphasis is on what the emergence of 'modern' Japan has meant for the Japanese people and Japan's Asian neighbours. Broadly, the following topics will be examined and discussed: the opening of Japan; Japan's national revolution; the creation of the modern Japanese state; the rise of Japan's empire; the social costs of 'wealth and power;' the fate of Japanese liberalism and Marxism; militarism, ultranationalism and war; the Occupation; and Japan's postwar economic 'miracle.' Such topics will be addressed through methodologies of political, social, cultural, economic, environmental, imperial, ideological, and military history. Students who complete this subject should have a firm understanding of the influence of Japan's rise and emergence as a 'modern' state on late 19th and 20th century Asian history.

A primary document exercise of 1750 words 45% (due 5 February), a final essay of 2250 words 55% (due 3 March), and Tutorial participation and attendance 10%.

Information Not Available

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

Formerly available as 131-229/329. Students who have completed 131-229 or 131-329 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.