The unit concerns research and writing in the field of Japanese studies. Through preparation of three essays - one of them in Japanese - students develop skills in bibliographic searching, analysis and assessment of scholarly writings on Japanese culture in both Japanese and English, and in the presentation of their own research topic proposal. The first paper outlines the proposed dissertation topic and surveys relevant sources in both Japanese and English. Directed readings in both languages for the two other papers are selected in accordance with two criteria: their pertinence to the candidate's research topic, and the degree to which they illustrate current developments in Japanese studies theory and methodology.