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DSCY10080

Academic Year 2025/2026

Gateways to Japan (DSCY10080)

Subject:
Discovery
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Naonori Kodate
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Japan has a unique strategic position in Asia at a time of rapid global geo-political shift and increasing projected growth in 21st century Asian dominance. Japan has a very stable and successful political and economic system with a highly developed and innovative science and technology sector. Its education system includes some of the most elite university institutions in the world. Its ancient and rich cultural heritage is renowned and admired; more recently, innovation in the creative industries sector highlights Japan’s status as a global cultural force. In the next five years, Japan will host the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Olympics and Para-Olympics in 2020. This module introduces students to key aspects of contemporary Japan from social, political, economic and cultural perspectives. It provides general information about life in Japan, with the themes ranging from Japanese language, history, literature, business, diplomacy, pop and traditional culture, healthcare, science & technology and education. It seeks to locate Japan, not as a country far away in the Far East, but as a country lived, experienced, and analysed by Irish and non-Japanese people, as well as by Japanese themselves. There will be some guest lecturers who are experts in different disciplines and have seen Japan through different lenses. The module therefore is designed in particular to sensitise students to one of the major Asian cultures, and provides those from all disciplines with an opportunity to reflect on the Irish society from a comparative perspective. The module gives students a good grounding in inter-cultural communications and will also prepare students for further studies in Asian history, politics, policy research and business.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

➢ Grasp key aspects of contemporary Japanese society and culture;
➢ Develop a good understanding of how Japanese society works, and similarities and differences between Ireland and Japan.
➢ Provide a critical review of current issues in a particular area, using example(s) from Japan
➢ Demonstrate a good understanding of what intercultural communication skills and competency means

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

60

Autonomous Student Learning

20

Lectures

20

Total

100


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is delivered through a seminar format where students are encouraged to actively engage with the various speakers dealing with different aspects of Japan.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Students will work in groups to make poster/video presentations on a topic of relevance to the module Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
No
Reflective Assignment: Students are asked to write a reflective journal entry of up to 200 words for each session.
There will be two submissions, one around the midpoint of the module and one at the end.
Week 6, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on reflective journal submission one, to allow this to be considered before the second submission.

Name Role
Ms Nobuko Ijichi Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Naonori Kodate Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Emma Sokell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer