Unit: Japan, 1945 to the Present
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
These lessons deal with the broad changes--politically, economically, and socially--that occurred in Japan from the occupation through the "Lost Decade" during the 1990s. This trajectory is of particular interest in light of the current economic crisis facing the world.
Lesson: The Political Economy of High-Growth-Era Japan
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
This lesson explores the possible causes of Japan's rapid economic growth from the 1950s to the 1970s and asks students to analyze the extent to which this "miracle" economy was a uniquely Japanese phenomenon.
Lesson: The Occupation of Japan and Democratic Reform
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
This lesson uses source material, photos, and informational text to discuss the roles the United States and Japan played in shaping the character of postwar Japan.
Lesson: Nature and the Environment in Postwar Japan
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: English and Language Arts,Social Studies
Modern Japan has a particularly fascinating relationship with the environment. Students will explore Japan's seemingly contradictory attitude and actions, characterized both by a profound, self-proclaimed respect for nature along with a proclivity to exploit and degrade the natural environment. Students will use a variety of sources including informational texts, poetry, and traditional and modern art to explore this paradox. They also will evaluate the government's response and the social reprecussions.
Lesson: Popular Culture and Japan’s Gross National Cool
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
Modern Japan's pop culture, from Hello Kitty to Wii, has been successfully exported worldwide. This lesson explores the varied roots of these cultural trends and their significance in a global context.
Lesson: The Bubble Economy and the Lost Decade
Grade Level: Secondary,Post-SecondarySubject Area: English and Language Arts,Social Studies
This lesson uses well-know editorials, speeches, and poems to explore the Japanese reaction to the Bubble Economy and Lost Decade.
Lesson: Japan in the World Since 1945
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
This lesson explores Japan's politics after the Allied Occupation, in particular the close but conflicted relationship with the United States, the sometimes strained relations with China and South Korea, and Japan's military policy.
Lesson: Empire At All Costs, 1932-1945
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
In retrospect, the decision for war clearly led to disaster for Japan. Through the use of maps, diaries, and photographs, this lesson helps students understand why Japan pursued this course towards destruction, consider alternatives Japan could have followed, and understand the cost of the war for the Japanese populace.
Unit: Imperial Democracy and Colonial Expansion, 1890-1945
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
In five activity and primary source-intensive lessons that address the major social and political shifts of the period from 1890 to 1945, the authors emphasize that these shifts were interdependent forces that operated on both international and national levels.
Lesson: Empire And Imperial Democracy, 1918-1932
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
Utilizing role playing, debate, and primary source analysis, this lesson explores Japanese history during this period in the context of larger issues such as the relationship between imperialism and democracy.
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Education Programs are made possible by generous funding from The Freeman Foundation.
Generous support for Education Programs is provided by Continental Airlines.
Additional support is provided by The Norinchukin Foundation, Inc., Chris A. Wachenheim, Joshua N. Solomon, Jon T. Hutcheson, Lesley Nan Haberman, Joshua S. Levine and Nozomi Terao.
Student and Family Programs are supported by the New York City
Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
