地域文化論Ⅰ

Class 1 – Thursday 9 April (online) – Introduction to the course: This class will introduce students to the course content, preparation material and assessment. Class 2 – Thursday 16 April – Official Symbols and their Meanings: We will examine why countries use symbols to represent them; the differences between official and informal national symbols; and undertake an introductory case study on the Australian national flag. Class 3 – Thursday 23 April – Indigenous Culture and Heritage, Part I: In this class we will explore the history of First Nations people and culture in Australia, and the relationship between Country and culture. Class 4 – Thursday 30 April – Indigenous Culture and Heritage, Part II: This class will focus on modern examples of Indigenous history and culture, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags; destruction of Indigenous heritage and culture; and the need for better legal protection in this area. Class 5 – Thursday 14 May (no class Thursday 7 May) – Colonial Symbols and their Legacies: Many symbols of the Australian colonial period, from the man who allegedly ‘discovered’ Australia, Captain James Cook to the bushranger Ned Kelly, remain visible in Australian daily life today. However, in this class we will examine what happens when our views of symbols change over time. Class 6 – Thursday 21 May – ‘Anzac’, War Memory and Commemoration: How is Australia’s participation in war remembered and commemorated in Australia? Why is the word ‘Anzac’, an acronym created in 1915, considered sacred even today? This class will answer these questions and the issues surrounding war memory in Australia and internationally. Class 7 – Thursday 28 May – Political Symbols and Democratic Culture: Why is voting in Australia compulsory and what is a ‘democracy sausage’? This class will evaluate Australia’s democratic culture, in contrast with countries including Japan, Britain and the United States of America. Class 8 – Thursday 4 June – Migration and Multiculturalism: Around a quarter of Australia’s population were born overseas. This class will consider how migration and multiculturalism have had a positive impact in Australia, and some of the consequences of this for Australian culture more generally. Class 9 – Thursday 11 June – The Coast and the Beach: The Great Barrier Reef has been a World Heritage Site since 1981, but how are modern problems, including climate change, impacting Australia’s beaches and coastline? Class 10 – Thursday 18 June – The Bush and the Outback: Australia is known for its stunning bushland and vast deserts, but what secrets do these spaces hold? This class will examine these issues using a range of Australian films including Picnic at Hanging Rock and Mad Max. Class 11 – Thursday 25 June – Animals: Are there really two kangaroos for every one person in Australia? Why did Australia, in 1932, decide to go to war against the emus? In this class students will learn about animals as symbols of Australia and their impact on the history and culture of the country. Class 12 – Thursday 2 July – Commercial and Everyday Symbols: From Caramello Koalas to Tim Tams to Vegemite, there are a range of commercial, privately-owned symbols that have come to represent Australia. This class will consider how these are protected. Class 13 – Thursday 9 July – Course Conclusion: In this class we will discuss and reflect upon topics and themes that have emerged throughout the course.

The course will be taught in English. A variety of teaching methods will be adopted throughout the course, including: Lecture: some material will be delivered in a lecture format Use of Audio-Visual Material: relevant audio-visual material, including clips from documentaries, television shows and films Seminar: some classes will include seminar-style all of class discussion Small-Group Activities: some classes will include the completion of extended activities in small groups, to deepen understanding of specific concepts or topics

Film Review – 40% Students will view a selected film and write a review of that movie, considering Australian symbols and culture that arise in that film. A range of selected films will be available either on DVD provided by the course Professor; through the Center for Pacific and American Studies Library or through Japan-based streaming services. Research Essay – 60% Students will prepare a research paper in response to one of a series of topics provided early in the semester. The topics will encourage research and reflection on issues considered in the course. Further information on assessment will be provided in the first class. All assessment must be completed in English.

Preparation: Students should complete all required preparation prior to class. Participation and Engagement: While some content will be delivered in lecture format, students will be required to engage in activities and discussion in each class. Attendance: Students are expected to attend class regularly throughout the semester. While a failure to attend one or two classes may be excused, students who expect to miss multiple classes must contact the course Professor via email to discuss this absence and alternative forms of course participation.

Class 1 will be held online. From Class 2 all classes will be held in person on the Komaba I campus.