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2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO1175 The Samurai and the Sacred: Aspects of Japanese Religious Traditions

10 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Dr Stephen Turnbull
Email: trssrtu@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The Samurai and the Sacred: Aspects of Japanese Religious TraditionThe religious world of Japan has long been a fascinating mystery to the West. This unique module explores the mystery to provide a sound understanding of the intertwined religious traditions that are expressed in Japan today. Taking a historically-based approach, the course examines the ancient beliefs that formed the basis of Shinto, and shows how the later additions of Buddhism, Confucianism and Christianity became integrated with folk beliefs. The dominance of the samurai - the warrior class of Japan - provokes many topic areas such as Zen and the arts, the cult of bushido, death and suicide. Modern shrine visiting practices, fertility beliefs and mountain pilgrimages are also examined in the context of Japanese life today, with special reference to martial arts, the syncretistic 'Hidden Christians' and the ascetic yamabushi.The course will provide a valuable add-on for religious studies students, while also having a wide appeal to those studying East Asian languages, history or philosophy, or indeed any student with a lively and open mind. The module is taught in Semester One by the well-known Dr Stephen Turnbull, author of more than fifty books on religious and military topics.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the religious traditions of Japan, i.e. Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism and Christianity.

2. Give an account of
- their origins
- their overall historical development
- their expression in modern Japan.

3. Explore the relationship between them, showing how the different religious traditions interact with each other and exploring areas of tension.
4. Show a basic understanding of the place of religion in Japanese culture and its expression in daily life.


Syllabus

Explores the world of Japanese religious traditions, their historical development, their expression in modern life and their interrelationships. Important themes include:

- The samurai and the cult of death, hara kiri, bushido and Zen
- Shinto and the kami, fertility, phallicism and sexual attitudes
- The religious life from cradle to grave; visits, festivals and funerals
- Buddhism, aristocratic or popular- Temples and warrior monks
- Christianity as the outsider; its politics, persecution and the 'Hidden Christians'
- Japanese pilgrimages and the mountain cult of the yamabushi
- Folk Religion: shamanism, charms, magic and mystery, self-mummification
- Religion and social control: the Emperors and World War II; the kami kaze pilots
- Religion and tranquility: art, the tea ceremony and gardening
- Religious terrorism: the Aum sect and other New Religious Movements. Japan and the West

This is set against the background question: Is there a unifying concept we can call 'Japanese Religion'?

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Private study hours89.00
Total Contact hours11.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

3 hours - Reading per lecture for 10 lectures (30 hours)
12 hours - Group task
14 hours - Web resources and supplementary reading
33 hours - Essay and examination preparation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Group tasks exploring interrelationships between religious traditions on week's theme.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1,500 words50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/05/2009

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