Syllabus Number 63
Course
Name
Food, Nutrition and Culture in Japan
Semester, Year
First Semester, 2017
Course level
1000
Instructor(s)
(Institution)
ASSMANN STEPHANIE (大学院メディア・コミュニケーション研究院)
Course
Objectives
Course Goals
Course
Schedule
Homework
Grading
System
Number of Credits
2 credits
Course Number
027064
Food and nutrition are mundane acts that can be investigated in wider sociological and anthropological contexts.
This course addresses Japanese society through the study of eating habits. An investigation of eating habits
reflects the close relationship between health and nutrition, allows thoughts on the formation of national and
regional identity, and permits an inspection of gender roles.
This course examines the major staple foods in Japan and the retail food market. Furthermore, this course
addresses Japan’s agricultural system, Japan’s position in international free trade, and current trends such as the
national food education campaign (shokuiku) and the sensitive issue of food safety after the nuclear disaster of
March 2011 at Fukushima Daiichi. After this course, students will be able to reflect critically upon Japanese
society through the lens of food.
Session 1: Introduction
Session 2: Food in Japan ? Major Foods and Ingredients: What Do People in Japan Eat?
Session 3: Food on Special Occasions - The New Year Cuisine
Session 4: The Japanese Food Retail Market: Where Do People in Japan Buy Food?
Session 5: Risk and Feeling in Food Allergy Experiences in Japan, Guest Lecture by Dr. Emma Cook, Associate Professor,
Hokkaido University, Research Faculty of Media and Communication
Session 6: Food in Film: Sushi - The Global Catch
Session 7: Food and Globalization
Session 8: Food in Film: Tampopo
Session 9: Agriculture and Free Trade in Japan
Session 10: Food Additives and Genetically Modified Food
Session 11: Food Safety in Japan (Part 1): Food Safety in Post-War Japan
Session 12: Food Safety in Japan (Part 2): After Fukushima: Radiation and Food Safety
Session 12: Food Education in Japan
Session 13: Organic Food and Health
Session 14: Course Evaluation and Submission of Final Report
Two reflection papers on the movies shown in class and a final report will be done at home.
Students will work on a group project and present their findings in class.
1.
2.
3.
3.
4.
Quizzes (20%)
Continuous oral participation in class (20%)
Reflection papers on movies (20%)
Presentation of students’ projects (20%)
Final Report (20%)
The final report consists of a summary and a critical discussion of one of the readings or one of the films discussed
in class. The final report should be written in English, typed, double-spaced and two pages in length.
Textbooks /
Reading List
Websites
Website of
Laboratory
Additional
Information
The language of the course is English.
Readings will be distributed in class. There will be no textbook.
The syllabus may be changed according to the students' needs.
Group work between Japanese students and exchange students is part of the course.
Unexcused absence of more than three times will lead to failure of the class.