The Chrysanthemum and the Sword Japan, World War Two and Changing Japanese Identity

Description

In this unit, we look at Japan, World War Two and Changing Japanese identity.  Using Ruth Benedict’s classic study of Japanese identity and culture, The Chrysanthemum and the Sword, as a starting point, we explore the war and life after the war  through the lens of changing attitudes to Japanese culture and the Samurai (Bushido) code in particular.

Unit Skills and Objectives:

• Develop an appreciation of Japanese identity and its relationship to the chrysanthemum and the sword as icons of national identity
• Develop an appreciation of this idea in explaining why Japan went to war in 1941 and fought in the way that it did
• Develop an appreciation of the fluidity and changing understanding of the Samurai (Bushido) code over time up to the present day
• Develop online computer research skills in a range of settings
• Record research findings in a systematic and appropriate manner
• Read, listen and view a range of historical sources
• Write about history and historical sources
• Analyze and evaluate historical sources
• Make informed and reasoned historical judgements