Global History Friday Late: From Feudal Isolation to a Modern Nation-State: an introduction to Japan’s Meiji Restoration period (1868 – 1889)
Join Dr. Dale Mineshima-Lowe for a brief introductory history of Japan’s Meiji Restoration period (1868-1889) - an important turning point that helped to shape modern Japan.
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- Start Date: 26 Sep 2025End Date: 26 Sep 2025Fri (Evening): 19:00 - 20:30OnlineFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £12.00
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What is the course about?
Our historical journey will begin just before 1868, with the U.S. ‘gunboat diplomacy’ of 1853-54 that opens Japan from its two-century old policy of isolation. This will be the start of a rapid evolution and chain reaction of events that will change Old World Japan forever – politically, socially, and economically. It lays the ground for its rise, fall, and rebirth in the twentieth century.
What will we cover?
As above
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain the term/concept of ‘gunboat diplomacy’
Evaluate the significance & impact of gunboat diplomacy on Japanese politics and society in the short and long terms
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory one of session and no prior knowledge is rrequired. An interest in the topic and a willingness to engage in any class discussions are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Lecture/PowerPoint/Discussion
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HWH226 The Making of Modern Japan: A Tale of Recovery, Innovation, and Challenges (onsite with Dale, Term 2)
Dale joined City Lit in 2010 and has taught a range of courses in the history and politics programmes. She also teaches in the Politics and Geography Departments at Birkbeck, University of London. She has a PhD in Politics from the University of Durham, and has taught at the Universities of Durham, Limerick, Bedfordshire, and has guest lectured at the University of Birmingham. She has a keen interest in American history/politics, European history/politics, democratic transitions & states, and global issues like the environment, migration and civic edudation. When not teaching, Dale is usually found buried in books (both textbooks and fiction!), baking, still making attempts to learn French, hiking, or squeeking away as a beginner - learning to play the violin.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.