STUDY GUIDE FOR MIDTERM EXAM

 

DIRECTIONS. The exam will cover the material listed in the syllabus since the beginning of the class, assigned readings and lectures. BRING BLUE BOOK and Scantron

One part will consist of a variety of questions (true/false, multiple choice, etc.) based on the assigned readings, class lecture and films.  In sometime of the questions you will be asked to identify key terms and names. 

 Identifications - You will be asked to define certain terms or associate them with significant events or behaviors. You will be expected to know the Japanese word, define and give an example.  Be especially prepared for the terms listed below:

amae, uchi-soto, honne-tatemae, omote-ura, sempai-kohai, amae(ru), shakaijin,, ie, aisatsu, ijime.

There may also be an essay taken from the questions provided below based on the readings and lectures.

1) Amae is seen as the cement that binds individuals to Japanese society. This concept is a way to understand dyadic relationships and socialization in Japanese society. Discuss the nature and roles in amae relationships from the basis of Japanese social interaction. Give examples of idealized relationship patterns..

2) Japanese society is said to be a "vertical society". Discuss this concept in terms of group formation and membership.  How does it differ from a "horizontal society?  Provide a concrete example.

3) What does Merry White identify as the most important problem facing Japan? How is the government attempting to deal with it? What are the issues surrounding family? What is Ochai's truth about the Japanese family?

4) How are important concepts in Japanese interpersonal interaction displayed in the story "Lover's Exile"? How do the puppets display emotion? Provide examples.

5) What social issues does Yoshimoto raise in the story "Kitchen"? What is the symboliic meaning of "kitchen'? What are the main events in the story? Who is the story teller? How does Yoshimoto depict social and family roles in the story? What social class do these individuals belong?

6) Dicuss the films "Tampopo", "Tora-san", "Tokyo Godfathers" and "Sazae-san" in terms of family in Japan. 1. Briefly summarize the events of each film and 2 Identify the issues raised regarding family.

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