Course Offerings
Course offerings for the Japanese Studies Program vary each semester, depending on the needs of the
attending students.
Most courses are offered at least one every two years. Check with the registrar
to find out what courses are available during the time you would like to
come. Also, there are other classes not listed here that are available.
Japanese Business/Economics
This course will survey important issues and developments in the
Japanese economy along with the business environment and political
pressures affecting these areas. Topics such as economic growth; the
role of financial markets; structure of labor markets and social
changes; and the great importance of international trade and finance
will be examined. Current topics will also be presented for discussion,
such as the "post-Bubble Japanese economy."
Japanese History
Outstanding individuals and key historical events that have shaped
Japan's unique culture will be presented, in addition, numerous terms
and concepts will be explained that are foundational to gaining an
understanding of Japan's role in global history.
Japanese Language
The focus of these language courses will be on helping the student to
gain greater skill in using the various aspects of the Japanese language
for academic purposes. Some prior study in the language is encouraged
and will be helpful to begin these courses and to enjoy measurable
progress.
Japanese Literature
In addition to enjoying classic pieces of Japanese literature, other
representative works from different historical and literary eras will be
examined to introduce the student to the thematic scope present in
Japanese literature. While most of these pieces will come from
translated works, the student may be encouraged to try to read some
selected passages within these works in the original language in order
to gain a heightened sense of the "flavor" of these works.
Japanese Missiology
Beginning with the first incursion of missionaries from Europe, and
moving through the three basic periods of Japan's openness to the West,
students will examine various approaches taken to introduce the claims
of the Christian faith within the Japanese culture, as well as other
relevant topics related to this theme of study.
Japanese Relations
While much of this course will help to introduce students to the
various distinctive aspects of the Japanese world, students will also be
encouraged to consider how to apply this knowledge with their own world
views.
Japanese Religion
In addition to examining the historical development of the different
religions represented in Japan, the course will also look briefly at the
religious world view of the Japanese, the main object of worship,
and the influence of religion on Japanese art. Students will required to
give a short presentation on one of the many "New Religions"
in Japan, and a short self-study lesson will deal with the differences between
true Buddhism and what is practiced in Japan under the name of
Buddhism.
Japanese Society
Millennia old, the various essential aspects of Japan's social fabric
will be more closely looked at and discussed. Students will also be
introduced to key terms and concepts that set apart the Japanese world
from other social groupings.
Japanese Trade
This course will focus more on the important issues and developments
in Japanese Trade, political pressures affecting it and the interaction
of various political and economic groups that form the environment of
Japanese trade. A variety of topics will also be presented for
discussion, that will expose the student to the historic scope of this
area of study.
Cross Cultural Communication
A study of Japanese culture and American culture, in a
bi/multi-cultural classroom setting, making full use of small groups and
direct observation.
Directed Studies
While considerable effort has been made by KIU to give students as
broad a base as possible in coming to appreciate and understand the
Japanese world, students bring unique perspectives and interests, and if
permitted, may pursue studies related to some aspect of their interests
as related to life in Japan. Careful planning and co-operative agreement
on the outline of material to be studied will help students to
successfully complete this aspect of academic study.
KIU instructional staff is prepared to assist students doing research
on Japan in the following subject areas: Business, Politics and
Missiology.
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