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CONTEMPORARY JAPAN
IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
ASSIGNMENTS
JOURNAL ASSIGNMENTS: a series of four assignments providing an opportunity to assess informally personal insights into contemporary Japan in historical perspective as derived from course materials presented during the semester.
WEB ASSIGNMENTS: a look at Osaka in 2001 and Tokyo on two occasions in 2003 (useful as an introduction to contemporary urban Japan) coupled with a Visual Literacy Exercise designed to enhance the student's overall viewing expertise.
QUIZ QUESTIONS: a series of five questions designed to encourage synthesis of course materials in the production of a set of brief analytical essays.
WRITING SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROJECT: a brief analytical essay designed to demonstrate student mastery of essential written communication skills.
ESSAY ASSIGNMENTS: three required essays -- the first on a research topic of your own choice; the second, an analysis of an aspect of contemporary Japanese popular culture and the third, a fictional autobiography (coupled with a related role-playing exercise).
OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: descriptions of course - related opportunities to add to the "point total" used in the final calculation of your course grade.