TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Course description and aims

Bushido: the Soul of Japan was written intentionally in English by Inazo Nitobe, a Christian Intellectual who served as Under-Secretary General of the League of Nations, a century ago. This book was well received by worldwide readers. This book on Japanese ethical system heavily reflects Nitobe's "nationalistic" concern and does not describe academically correct soldier ethics in Japan. Students will find some values fundamental to some modern nation-states by reading this book critically. The objective of this course is to reflect on your conscious and unconscious ideals which guide your lifestyle, in comparison with Nitobe's ideas.
Students will review the idealistic character of Japanese intellectuals who established the modern nation-state and national challenges such as Japan's place among the powerful Western nations. However we intend neither to learn the political or cultural history of Japan nor to uncritically praise Nitobe's or Japanese "bushido" chivalry values in general.
Students with diverse cultures, especially non-Japanese, who will examine the lifestyle of the Japanese and oneself in a diverse context, are welcomed.
There are some editions and Japanese translations of the book. Although you can refer to those translations, you must read the English copy of the textbook. The lecturer recommends to have a bilingal edition published by Kodansha International because he will frequently compare English text with Japanese. The discussion, presentation, and report should be on the English text. Nitobe's English is worthy of imitation, and useful for examining Japanese culture both positively and critically.

Student learning outcomes

Student will be aware of one's own ideals and values in comparison with Japanese Nitobe's ideals. Applying his English, student will learn to express their conscious and unconscious ideals and values in depth in English. Some viewpoints to examine shallow appreciation of Japan will be acquired. The students will be taught to reflect on their unconscious values. Communication skills are developed in English presentation and group collaboration.

Keywords

Inazo Nitobe, Christianity, Confucianism, Modern nation-state, Bushido (chivalry), awareness of values

Competencies that will be developed

Class flow

Read the assigned chapter and take notes of summary and your own comment (1).
The lecture on the chapter topic in English (2) will be followed by group discussion (3) in English.
At the conclusion of every class, student required to submit (1) with the summary of the class (2 + 3) and personal comment.

Course schedule/Required learning

Textbook(s)

Inazo Nitobe, Bushido: the soul of Japan (Jpn: 新渡戸稲造『武士道』講談社インターナショナル、2000年)
Though various editions of Bushido are available, the Lecturer use this bilingual copy because it enables easy comparison of original English text with Japanese translation.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Some of the Course materials might be distributed in the classroom or OCW-i.

Assessment criteria and methods

The general impression and reflection of your own value, which is required to submit at the second class (10%), summary and comment at the end of every class (35%), presentation in final session (25%), final report (2000 word in English or 5000 character in Japanese, 30%) are examined, focusing on the topic understanding. Missing one session (one day) will result in an automatic lowering of your final grade by 10%. Missing three or more sessions (three days or more) will result in automatic failure of the course.

Related courses

• none

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

not applicable

Other

Language used: English