In this course, teachers will explore how different types of visual forms have been used from pre-modern to contemporary Japanese history, and how these visual primary sources can engage their students. Divided over four interactive online units, this 30-hour online course will help participants develop the resources and skills to create and refine lesson plans for middle school and high school social studies, art, English and Language Arts, Global History and Geography classes by utilizing primary sources, focusing on visual arts. Artworks such as paintings and prints depict Japan’s changing foreign policy during the Age of Exploration; illustration, photography and films will document modernization of Japan in the late 19th – early 20th centuries, and the development of imperialism and wars; and Japan’s urban architectural and industrial designs reflect Japan’s recovery in the postwar period. Animation, fashion and other pop culture forms would connect historical past to the present and its impact in the global society for students to understand.

About the Program

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