Marriage and Family Mores in Contemporary Japan

An increasing number of young people are delaying marriage and/or not marrying at all in Japan, which clearly affects all aspects of society. In particular, changes can be seen in attitudes towards personal relationships, family values as well as in demographic trends such as the recent falling birth rate. This course is designed to examine these changes and explore the contemporary state of society.

Enhance and develop the students' understanding of Japanese history, culture and society through the lens of the institutions of marriage and family. Students will gain insight into Japanese society at a fundamental level by learning how marriage has functioned, functions and continues to change up until this very day.

This course will consist of lectures and various other activities, including discussions, student presentations and a final written paper.

Feedback on assignments will be provided in the next class.

Students are expected to read all the handouts provided by the instructor.

Class Participation 50%
Presentation 30%
Final Paper 20%

＜No textbook required.＞

Information about recommended readings and data sources will be provided in class.

This course is open to all students who wish to study marital and social issues in English.

授業は原則として英語で行うが日本語での質問も受け付ける。