Unit name | Introduction to Japanese Religions |
---|---|
Unit code | THRS20209 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Lomi |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit introduces the Japanese religious landscape, by focusing on its key practices, beliefs, and movements. We will explore a variety of issues of Japan’s contemporary religious context (such as religious identity and affiliation), understand their origins, and analyse the lived dimension of its main traditions.
Each week will focus on a different theme—such as mountain worship and sacred geography, ascetic practices, pilgrimages, religion and politics. In terms of format, a one-hour lecture, introducing the topic, will be followed a two-hour seminar including both a documentary or movie and a class discussion.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1 x two-hour lecture and 1 x one-hour seminar per week
One 1000-word summative portfolio (20%) [ILOs 1, 4], consisting of two 500-word ‘think’ pieces on a topic explored in class.
One 3000-word summative portfolio (80%) [ILOs 1–5] consisting of in-depth critical analyses of two topics.
Tanabe, George, ed. (1999) Religions of Japan in Practice, Princeton, Princeton University Press.
Swanson, Paul, ed. (2006) Nanzan guide to Japanese religions, Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press
Kasahara Kazuo, ed. (2001) A History of Japanese Religion, Tokyo, Kosei Publishing Co.