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Syllabus format 2027
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Semester2027 Winter
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CourseCross-Cultural Studies(Japanese History and Society through Film)
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Campus LocationJF Oberlin - Shinjuku Campus
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InstructorTBD
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Instructed only by foreign languages
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Instruction LanguageEnglish
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Active Learning included
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Active Learning TypeDiscussion, DebatesGroup workPresentation
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Flipped ClassroomPossible Practicum/FieldworkExperience
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InvestigationMock classesPBLOthers
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Course DescriptionExperience Japan's history and society firsthand through the immersive medium of film while studying abroad in Japan. This course explores how Japanese filmmakers depict pivotal historical events, cultural traditions, and evolving social dynamics. While living and learning in Japan, students will analyze a range of films—from classical epics to contemporary cinema—to understand how cinema reflects and shapes national identity, memory, and values. Classroom discussions will be enriched by site visits, cultural activities, and real-world context, deepening your understanding of Japan’s past and present. Develop critical thinking, cross-cultural insight, and visual literacy as you explore Japanese history and society through a cinematic lens—on location in the country itself.The course meets for a minimum of 45 hours per two week period. Students receive 4 Oberlin University credits with a minimum grade of a D.
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Course ObjectivesBy the end of the session, students should be able:

- Analyze major historical events and societal transformations in Japan as represented in Japanese cinema.
- Interpret how film reflects and influences Japanese cultural values, social structures, and national identity across different time periods.
- Evaluate the ways in which directors and genres portray complex issues such as modernization, war, gender roles, and class in Japanese society.
- Compare cinematic narratives with historical realities through direct engagement with Japanese culture, local communities, and historical sites.
- Apply critical thinking and visual literacy skills to assess film as a historical and sociocultural text.
- Demonstrate cross-cultural awareness and understanding by integrating film analysis with first-hand experiences of Japanese society during the study abroad program.

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Course Schedule　※Fill in according to the number of times the class is to be held.
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Date
Details
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1st5-JanIntroduction to the course, expectations, and learning outcomes.
Overview of Japanese history and society through the lens of cinema.
Screening and discussion of a foundational film introducing Japan’s cultural and historical identity.
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2nd6-JanLecture on early Japanese civilization, mythology, and social structures.
Screening of a film portraying early Japanese society and its cultural values.
Group discussion: how early beliefs and power systems are expressed through film.
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3rd7-JanExploration of feudal Japan’s societal structure, class dynamics, and the samurai ethos.
Screening of a historical epic film.
Analysis of loyalty, honor, and social hierarchy as cinematic themes.

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4th8-JanLecture on the Meiji Restoration and the rapid modernization of Japan.
Screening of a film capturing this transformative period.
Discussion: tensions between tradition and modernization in Japanese society.

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5th11-JanExamination of World War II and its social and historical implications.
Screening of a film set during wartime Japan.
Critical discussion: ethics, memory, and nationalism in cinematic depictions of war.

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6th12-JanLecture on Japan’s postwar reconstruction and economic rise.
Screening of a film representing postwar society and family dynamics.
Discussion: societal resilience, generational shifts, and cultural rebuilding.

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7th13-JanFocus on modern Japanese society, globalization, and current challenges (e.g. aging population, youth culture, work-life balance).
Screening of a contemporary film addressing present-day societal concerns.
Discussion: cinema as a mirror of modern Japanese life.

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8th14-JanGroup analysis of a selected film tied to a specific historical or societal theme.
Integration of insights from local site visits, cultural excursions, or guest speakers.
In-class presentations of critical findings.








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9th15-JanFinal group presentations with emphasis on cross-cultural and historical understanding.
Reflection session: how film shapes and challenges our understanding of Japanese history and society.
Wrap-up discussion and course evaluation.
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Supplementary Activities　※Fill in according to the number of times the class is to be held.
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Date
Details
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1st5-JanOpening reflection on how cinema influences international perceptions of Japanese history and cultural identity.
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2nd6-JanMythology and early-society worksheet comparing historical information with its representation in film.
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3rd7-JanSamurai-film analysis examining loyalty, honor, social hierarchy, and the representation of feudal Japan.
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4th8-JanTradition-versus-modernization comparison based on cinematic depictions of the Meiji Restoration.
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5th11-JanWartime-memory reflection examining ethics, nationalism, civilian experiences, and historical interpretation.
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6th12-JanPostwar-family analysis connecting reconstruction, generational change, and Japan’s economic development.
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7th13-JanContemporary-film journal examining globalization, population aging, youth culture, or work-life balance.
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8th14-Jan
Peer-review activity connecting a selected film with a specific historical or social issue.
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9th15-Jan
Final reflection on how Japanese films preserve, interpret, or challenge historical narratives.
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TextbookThe instructor will provide class materials.
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Supplementary Reading

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HomeworkDaily homework will focus on study and fieldwork for development of the final presentation/project/test.
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Grading90-100 = A 80-89 = B 79-70 = C 60-69 = D 50 and below = F
Breakdown:
•Class Participation: 25%
• Attendance: 25%
•Assignments: 20%
• Final Project: 30%
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Contact with Instructor
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U R L
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Courses taught by faculty with practical experience
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Keywords
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Others
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