Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

This course examines the plurality of practice that constitutes religion in Japan through various media including films, comics and art forms. Most Japanese ascribe to at least two traditions, Shinto and Buddhism, while a large part of the population professes to be non-religious. This course analyses the complexity and fluidity of this landscape through an exploration of ritual practice and representations of Japanese religious observance.

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the Honours options in TRS and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Theology and Religious Studies, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

None

None

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Response paper (1,000 words) - 25%  

■ Essay (2,500 words) - 65%  

■ Seminar participation - 10% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the Response paper (1,000 words)  but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There are no alternatives to the Essay (2,500 words), but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Written self-evaluation reflecting on seminar contribution or written response to seminar material in advance or after seminar as alternative to seminar participation.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course aims to:

■ explore two main traditions in Japan (Shinto and Buddhism), as well as other traditions; 

■ familiarise students with key scholarly works and debates; 

■ relate various media (e.g. films, comics, art forms) to the study of religions in Japan; 

■ discuss the meaning of religion in Japan through study the plurality of its religious traditions.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ analyse the meaning of religion in the Japanese context; 

■ examine how scholars have approached and analysed the Japanese religious landscape; 

■ analyse religious practice in Japan through various media;

■ identify and develop independent research questions; 

■ apply transferable skills involving independent and critical thinking, cultural awareness, information literacy and analysis.