Abstract:

"This unit is designed for social studies, world history, Asian studies, or humanities courses at grades 10-12; it may be used effectively in introductory courses in community colleges as well. The unit begins with a short essay providing an overview of significant events and trends of the period. This essay is primarily designed for teacher use before beginning the unit; it may also be assigned as an introductory reading for advanced students. The 11 lessons follow a standard format. A brief introduction is followed by a statement of learning objectives, a list of necessary materials, an approximate guide to class time required, a procedure section, a discussion of films recommended to supplement the lesson, and such additional resources as background readings, slide scripts, and answer keys for student activities. Student handouts conclude each lesson. Transparencies of art or photographs to be shown to the class as a group are provided on a CD-ROM accompanying the unit. Files on the CD-ROM are provided in both Word and PDF formats." --From the Introduction || Lesson Plans: 1. Japan 1945-1989: Framing the Period; 2. Voices of the Occupation; 3. Embracing Democracy I: Popularizing of Democratic Values; 4. Embracing Democracy II: Japanese as Activie Citizens of a Democracy; 5. Life in the Fast Lane: The Period of High-Speed Economic Growth; 6. Minamata: A Case Study in the Costs of Economic Growth; 7. Heterogeneous Japan: Dispelling the Myth of Homogeneity; 8. Japan Draws a Crowd: The 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1970 World Expo; 9. Society in Transition: Focus on Women in the Work Force; 10. Japan, Inc.: Focus on the Economy in the 1980s; 11. The "Stacked," or "Silent," Time Line