You have to do the readings for this class because before each lecture you turn in a one page reading response but you only have to read enough to answer the prompt. They're very easy and he gives you an automatic 100% if you turn it in and answer the prompt. There are no exams just a midterm paper and final paper. The midterm paper draws directly from reading and lecture so it's important to keep up with the readings and go to lecture. DO NOT USE OUTSIDE SOURCES. They will take points off of your paper if you do this. I wasn't very interested in the subject but professor Hirano was really passionate about the subject and it ended up becoming one of the most interesting subjects I've taken at UCLA. Honestly it was a great class. 10/10 recommend. Also selling some of the books necessary for this class and my notes (I went to every lecture and got an A) text me at **********.

Professor Hirano is a great lecturer and very knowledgeable about the time period. The material is much more philosophical than I expected, but I learned a lot and would highly recommend taking this class. There were readings and reflections required before each class. The readings were sometimes a lot but you got participation credit as long as you wrote anything for your reflection. The midterm and final were essays. Both weren't too bad, but make sure you go to the workshops to understand what is expected for both.

This class is a philosophical approach to understanding the socio-political context of Tokugawa period Japan leading into the early modern era. Beware, this is not your typical history class. The professor teaches abstract intellectual concepts that intercept with historical contextualization of major events. Professor Hirano is a gem, he truly is passionate about what he teaches and genuinely cares for his students. However, the course is definitely dense at times (I'm a history nerd so I geek out about this type of stuff) but if you're not in the history department and you're taking this class for an upper div credit I would recommend finding a more straight forward history course that doesn't require so much work. We had daily essays due before every class, one midterm paper (which was a killer), and a final. Overall, I probably wouldn't take this class again but if you need to fulfill your eastern history credits this class isn't a bad place to start.

This class is very easy if you do the assignments. It takes some time but is very worth it. I liked the assignments because they forced me to become acquainted with the readings, and the homework is a good percentage of your grade (maybe 30%?). Professor Hirano's lecture may not be the most compelling in the world, but I still found them to be pretty enjoyable.

I would advise students to go to this class on time. Do not leave early unless you tell him beforehand! He will ask you why in front of the entire class. This did not happen to me, but please be respectful in this class. You do not want the embarrassment of being called out.

I never personally talked to Professor Hirano and he didn't know my name, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this class.

I got a B on the midterm paper because I thought we were supposed to use material from the lectures to prove our points. They said my paper was well done, but I didn't input my own perspective in my paper and regurgitated the lecture material. This was due to my misunderstanding of the prompt. Remember to base your paper on the readings! I was able to get a high A for the final when I understood this.

I think this is a class where as long as you fulfill the requirements, Hirano leads you to success. He also has very a nuanced perspective on Japanese history and I thought the information he gave us was very valuable.

Katsuya Hirano is amazing. He offers a refreshing perspective on studying history, through examination of the intellectuals who evince the sentiments and conflicts of the time period. I must commend the TA's for doing an amazing job and helping students pinpoint their ideas during the office hours. I really enjoyed Hirano's lectures, as I feel that he speaks in an ardent and engaging manner. He is really passionate about what he teaches, and he has a great personality. He is extremely kind, and willing to help you tremendously if you attend his office hours, which I recommend. One of my favorite classes at UCLA by far. You might feel lost in the first few lectures, but it will all come together by the end of the quarter, if you are persistent. Every lecture connects to the next, so missing lectures is not advised. I also enjoyed that we were inclined to attend lectures because of the assignments, which were simple and straightforward, but encouraged you to read thoroughly. Great professor, hope to take more of his classes.

I enrolled into this class during week 2 and Professor Hirano was very lenient about me making up missed assignments. Every week there are two assignments due based off of the readings. Some of the readings are from his course website and some are from the books he assigned. Professor Hirano is without a doubt a leader in his field, the sheer amount of knowledge he has with regards to Japanese History is astonishing. His lectures are extremely helpful and clear, if you go to lecture and take good notes, you will be more than prepared for the Midterm (paper), and the Final (paper). There are no in class exams. This class is not your typical history class, rather than just spewing historical facts, he takes the class through Japan's history through the lenses of various Japanese philosophers. Take this class if you like history, you will learn a lot.