Visualizing Japan in the Modern WorldはedXのVisualizing Japanというコースの教材を基にした体験型授業です。絵画や写真、広告などの「視覚資料」を通して日本が近代国家へと変化していく過程を学びます。まず封建時代の長い鎖国状態を脱し、日本が他国と初めて接触したときの画像資料に焦点を当てます。日米双方で収集・保存されてきた1853‐1854年のペリー提督来航を描いた絵などを比較し、当時の日本の姿を視覚化します。次に、横浜開港、日露戦争、その直後の日比谷焼打ち事件、日本人や日本国家を描いた海外の写真家による画像、近代日本女性を描いたもの（資生堂アーカイブ）等々を観察し、そこから見える近代日本の姿を考えます。授業では、オンライン教材やビデオ講義、歴史資料を用いながら、ディスカッションや課題に取り組みます。特にグループワークを重視しており、視覚資料の分析やプレゼンテーションなどを通して、学生同士が協力しながら学びを深めていきます。これらの活動を通して、歴史的思考力、異文化理解力を養うとともに、英語によるコミュニケーション能力の向上も目指します。国際的な視野を広げたい方や、英語を実践的に使って学びたい方に適した内容となっています。

授業内でフィールドトリップを実施します。授業の内容に関する土地に赴き、日本の歴史を分析し、それについて発表します。

＊講義や学生同士の活動は英語で行います。
＊本授業は通常Aセメスター終了後の2月に5-6日間の集中講義として実施されます。

Visualizing Japan in the Modern World is an experiential course based on the edX course Visualizing Japan. Through the analysis of “visual materials” such as paintings, photographs, and advertisements, students will explore Japan’s transformation into a modern nation-state.

The course begins by focusing on visual representations from the end of Japan’s long period of seclusion during the feudal era, particularly images depicting Japan’s first encounters with foreign nations. Students will compare visual materials, such as illustrations of Commodore Perry’s arrival in 1853–1854 that have been collected and preserved in both Japan and the United States, to understand how Japan was perceived and represented at the time.

The course then moves on to topics including the opening of Yokohama Port, the Russo-Japanese War, the Hibiya Riots that followed, photographs of Japan and Japanese people taken by foreign photographers, and depictions of modern Japanese women (e.g., from the Shiseido Archives). These visual resources will be used to consider the evolving image of modern Japan.

Classes incorporate online materials, video lectures, and historical documents, and emphasize discussion and assignments. Group work is particularly important: students will collaborate to analyze visual materials and give presentations, deepening their understanding through peer interaction.

Through these activities, students will develop historical thinking skills and intercultural understanding while also improving their English communication skills. This course is ideal for those looking to broaden their global perspective and engage in practical English use.

A field trip will be conducted during the course. Students will visit sites relevant to the course content, analyze their historical significance, and present their findings.

*All lectures and student activities will be conducted in English.

*This course is usually offered as an intensive 5–6 day program in February, following the end of the A Semester.