Online Class: Japanese Cultural Studies

Explore the intricate interplay between Japan's secluded resilience and global interactions over millennia, revealing a culture deeply imbued with reverence for thoughtfulness and order. By delving into the country's history, customs, and artistic achievements, we invite you to appreciate the harmonious blend of past and present that makes Japan a beacon of serenity and excellence.
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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 20
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,547
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 10
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.0
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Delving into the Depths of Japan: A Journey through Time and Culture

Nestled to the east of China, Japan emerges as an enchanting archipelago, separated from the Asian mainland by a mere 120 miles of oceanic expanse. With a rich tapestry of history spanning over 30,000 years, Japan offers a mesmerizing blend of seclusion and global interaction. This dichotomy has birthed a culture that seamlessly fuses international influences while preserving its authentic Japanese essence.

Dive deep into this course as we journey through Japan's evocative history, tracing the ebb and flow of its interactions with the wider world. We will illuminate the vibrant traditions that have shaped the Japanese way of life, from the intricacies of its language to the spiritual depths of its religions. Feast your senses on the culinary wonders of Japanese cuisine, and understand the nuanced etiquettes that underpin social interactions.

Discover the Japanese commitment to excellence in careers and education, and marvel at the arts that have resonated through time — each art form narrating tales of seasons, emotions, and landscapes. Revel in the joyous celebrations of holidays and indulge in leisure activities that reflect a harmonious blend of the past and present. Stand in awe of the architectural marvels, from ancient temples to contemporary skyscrapers, each telling a story of Japan's journey through time.

At the heart of our exploration lies the Japanese ethos: a deep-rooted reverence for consideration, thoughtfulness, and order. These values make Japan one of the safest and most serene destinations globally. While immersing oneself completely might be challenging given the uniqueness of the culture, the beauty of the Japanese way of life invites appreciation at every turn.

Embark on this transformative journey with us, as we unravel the multifaceted layers of Japanese culture, offering insights that transcend the mere tourist gaze, plunging into the very soul of this ancient yet modern land.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(904 votes)

  • Lesson 1. Japan Unveiled: The Interplay of Geography and Culture

    Modern Japan reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, bolstered by impressive economic and educational strides, with a global presence emphasized by third-ranked GDP and high life expectancy. Its pursuit of carbon neutrality and sustainable living integrates traditional values like 'Mottainai,' highlighting environmental stewardship.

  • Lesson 2. A Journey Through Japan's Cultural Heritage

    Japan's cultural landscape is a rich blend of time-honored traditions and modern practices, reflecting deep historical roots alongside contemporary innovation. From the elegant kimono to the tranquil art of the tea ceremony, each tradition offers a glimpse into Japan's unique blend of cultural heritage and modern vitality.

  • Lesson 3. The Enigmatic Tapestry of Japanese Language and Culture

    Spoken Japanese maintains a uniform standard across regions, despite tonal differences and abundant homophones like 'shi' that enrich cultural meaning. Contextual understanding remains vital in deciphering conversations, adding sophistication to everyday interactions.

  • Lesson 4. A Harmonious Tapestry: Religions and Beliefs in Japan

    In Japan, Shinto and Buddhism seamlessly coexist, each marking different life milestones like births and funerals. This religious synthesis creates a vibrant cultural matrix, evident in New Year celebrations and local shrine rituals.

  • Lesson 5. The Secret to Longevity: A Journey Through Japan's Culinary Landscape

    Japanese cuisine gracefully merges exquisite presentation with natural flavors, offering a sensory experience that is both understated and profound. Green tea and soy sauce exemplify the cultural importance of balancing health and tradition in everyday consumption.

  • Lesson 6. Mastering Business Etiquette in Japan: The Art of Meishi

    The concept of 'wa,' meaning harmony, is vital in Japanese social rules, emphasizing the collective over the individual for societal unity. From tea ceremonies to professional interactions, 'wa' influences social dynamics, fostering a sense of mutual responsibility and peace.

  • Lesson 7. Navigating Japanese Homes: Etiquette Essentials

    Japanese bathroom etiquette involves a ritualistic focus on hygiene, mandating a switch to special slippers and practicing detailed bathing routines that cleanse both body and soul. This reverence for bathing, be it the household ofuro or communal onsen, symbolizes an enduring commitment to tranquility and mindfulness as cornerstones of daily life.

  • Lesson 8. Harmony and Hierarchies: Inside Japan's Corporate World

    In the Japanese workplace, 'wa' underscores harmony and prioritizes company needs over individual aspirations, often blurring lines between personal and professional life. As societal norms evolve, there's increasing focus on creating equitable, inclusive workplaces through reform initiatives and international influences.

  • Lesson 9. Brushstrokes and Beyond: Exploring Japan’s Art Forms

    In modern Japan, artists seamlessly integrate tradition with technological innovation, propelling the creative landscape into unrestrained domains. This synthesis is epitomized in pioneering ventures like teamLab's interactive exhibitions, which blur the line between observer and art, embodying Japan's dual commitment to heritage and futuristic exploration.

  • Lesson 10. Unearthing the Rich Tapestry of Japanese Culture: Traditions and Modernity in Harmony

    Leisure in Japan embraces both tradition and innovation, combining the spiritual observance of Obon with the secular enthusiasm of Christmas, exemplifying a society that thrives on diverse experiences. Unique entertainment like karaoke and pachinko, alongside globally beloved media like anime, reflects Japan's inventive spirit grounded in rich cultural values.

  • Lesson 11. Tradition Meets Modernity: The Intricate Architecture of Japan

    Architecture reflects a civilization's cultural history and adaptive spirit, evolving through time to incorporate technological advancements and societal changes. Japanese architecture, influenced by geographic challenges, embraced traditional materials like wood, even as it later integrated Western techniques with stone, steel, and glass.

  • Lesson 12. The Japanese Government: Tradition Meets Innovation

    In Japan, the royal family serves as a symbolic link between the past and present, with the emperor's ceremonial role highlighting a shift from divine ancestry to modern diplomacy. This balance of tradition and modernity is mirrored in Japan's approach to law and governance, where enforcement focuses on societal harmony and communal responsibility over punitive measures.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define the impact of Japan's geographical features on its cultural and historical development by listing three examples from different time periods.
  • Identify and explain two ways in which traditional Japanese farming techniques have influenced modern sustainable practices, using specific examples.
  • Define the historical evolution and cultural significance of the kimono and its continued role in modern Japanese society.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Japanese tea ceremony, including its historical origins and the spiritual principles it embodies.
  • Describe the artistic contributions of geisha, highlighting their impact on cultural preservation and performance artistry within Japanese society.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the evolution of the Japanese written language by explaining the historical transformation and current usage of kanji, hiragana, and katakana.
  • Describe the impact of globalization on the Japanese language by identifying examples of Western influences and discussing their integration into modern Japanese communication.
  • Define the ways in which Shinto and Buddhism coexist and influence cultural practices in Japan by identifying specific rituals associated with each religion.
  • Describe the impact of Confucianism on Japanese social structure by outlining its influence on educational systems and hierarchical societal interactions.
  • Give examples of traditional Japanese dishes and describe the cultural significance of their preparation and ingredients.
  • Define the key components of the Japanese diet and explain their impact on health and longevity.
  • Describe how Japanese bowing etiquette reflects levels of respect and social relationships.
  • Identify cultural differences in communication styles by comparing indirect language use in Japanese interactions to direct approaches in Western cultures.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
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Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Japanese Cultural Studies
Course Number: 8900284
Lessons Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars (904 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Enroll in this course from any U.S. state, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also accessible to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa.
Last Updated: February 2024
CEU Value: 1.0 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Cathleen Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I liked it and this is an initial way to learn about Japanese culture. Every lesson could be a course itself." -- Sharon S.
  • "The course offers great insight into Japanese culture, traditions, religion, food, art, history, and is great for travelers, educators and people seeking introductory cultural enlightenment." -- Andrew E.
  • "Learning about the Japanese culture has truly opened up my eyes about Japan." -- Taylor C.
  • "The written information was very helpful to me it was very interesting and enjoyable, and easy to get the right information without having to read a whole book to get the right answers." -- Eileen E.
  • "All the written material was relevant to my interest, and much of it - not all - was new to me." -- Peter H.

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