Unit information: Introduction to Japanese Religions in 2019/20

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

Description including Unit Aims

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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the role of religious practices and beliefs in contemporary Japan
2. identify and discuss religious issues proper to the Japanese context
3. articulate an awareness of the concerns of Japanese society at different historical moments;
4. evaluate key doctrinal characteristics and ritual practices of Japan;
5. demonstrate an independent approach to designing, researching and completing a level-I project.

Teaching Information

1 x two-hour lecture and 1 x one-hour seminar per week

Assessment Information

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.

Reading and References

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.