ANTHROPOLOGY OF JAPAN

The course is one of the core subjects within the Japan curriculum of the degree programme "Languages, Cultures and Societies of Asia and Mediterranean Africa".
Its educational objectives fall within the learning area of cultural and humanistic competences.

During the course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the diverse social representations present in Japan. By applying the principles of cultural and social anthropology, they will learn to critically examine how these representations influence and shape Japanese socio-cultural realities. Through the analysis of case studies, critical reading of academic texts, and engagement with relevant multimedia materials, students will develop a clear understanding of social imaginaries in Japan and their cultural, symbolic, and economic implications in contemporary society.

It is recommended that students have at least an intermediate level of English (B2) in order to engage more deeply with the topics discussed in class and to make effective use of the assigned readings. A basic textbook knowledge of cultural anthropology is also required. For those who have not yet completed an introductory course in cultural anthropology, the following book is recommended: Thomas Hylland Eriksen, 2010, *Small Places, Large Issues: An Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology*, Pluto Press. The course is designed in a seminar format: punctuality, active participation, and overall contribution to classroom activities will also be considered in the final assessment.

The course focuses on the exploration of key cultural and social dynamics in Japan through a series of central themes. It examines the legacy of nationalist scholarship and its influence on the construction of Japanese identity, as well as the role of eugenics in nation-building processes. Attention is given to the relationships between majority and minority cultures, with particular reference to groups such as the Ainu and Zainichi Koreans. Class and status divisions, social inequalities, and patterns of mobility are also analyzed. Further topics include gender and sexuality, addressing both traditional roles and contemporary challenges related to the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The contrast between urbanization and rural decline is discussed in the context of broader socio-economic transformations. Domestic, corporate, and educational ideologies and practices are explored, with a focus on work culture and the education system. The course also examines the influence of media, sports, and fashion, along with Japanese conceptions of nature, life, and death, through the study of traditional religions, religious syncretism, and the impact of new biomedical technologies.

The texts will be made available in the Moodle section dedicated to the course.

- Writing a thesis on a topic of choice to be agreed upon with the instructor (approximately 3000 words): Students are required to write a thesis on a topic related to the course, which must be agreed upon in advance with the instructor. The thesis should demonstrate the ability to explore a specific subject, critically analyzing and synthesizing information in a clear and coherent manner. The completed paper must be submitted via Moodle in .doc format at least two weeks before the exam date. Timely submission and the quality of the work will be crucial for evaluation, accounting for 60% of the final grade for the course.

- Discussion of the thesis (10% of the final grade): Following the submission of the thesis, students will participate in an oral discussion of their paper, where their ability to summarize, present, and defend their arguments will be assessed. The discussion will allow students to further clarify and elaborate on the points made in their written work, providing the instructor an opportunity to evaluate their overall understanding of the topic and their ability to argue critically and thoughtfully. The discussion represents 10% of the final grade and will contribute to the final evaluation of the thesis.

written and oral

Assessment Criteria for the Written and Oral Examination

A. Score Range 18–21:
- Knowledge and Understanding: Sufficient knowledge of the course content and basic ability to apply it, though limited in depth and analytical insight.
- Ability to Collect and Interpret Information: Limited capacity to independently gather and analyze information. Few personal insights, often superficial or underdeveloped.
- Communication Skills: Adequate communication skills, though the use of specific terminology is still basic and not entirely appropriate for the topics discussed. Presentations may lack precision.

B. Score Range 22–25:
- Knowledge and Understanding: Fairly good knowledge of the course material, with a sound but not always in-depth understanding. Ability to apply concepts clearly and appropriately.
- Ability to Collect and Interpret Information: Good capacity to gather and interpret information with a fair degree of autonomy. Judgments are acceptable but could be more in-depth and better argued.
- Communication Skills: Good communication abilities with generally correct use of technical language, though occasional imprecision may occur. The presentation is clear but could be more fluent.

C. Score Range 26–30:
- Knowledge and Understanding: Excellent knowledge and understanding of the course, with a solid ability to apply concepts in a relevant and in-depth manner. Analysis is complete and well structured.
- Ability to Collect and Interpret Information: Excellent capacity for collecting and interpreting information, with well-developed, autonomous judgments. Strong skills in both synthesis and critical analysis.
- Communication Skills: Very strong communication abilities, with precise and appropriate use of discipline-specific terminology. The presentation is clear, well-organized, and effectively tailored to the audience.

D. Honours (30 e lode):
Honours will be awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding performance, including comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the course, exceptional autonomy in critical thinking, and flawless communication. Analytical ability and command of technical language are superior, and the thesis and oral presentation are distinguished by originality, clarity, and depth.

Lectures and seminar-style teaching.