Introduction to Contemporary Japanese Literature and Culture (223-0-20)
Topic
Contemporary Japanese Culture
Instructors
Patrick James Noonan
847/467-0283
Kresge Hall - Office 4-550
Office Hours: Varies quarter to quarter, please check with instructor.
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
AY 22-23 This course offers an introduction to Japanese literature, film, animation, and manga from the 1960s to the present. We will consider these media in relation to the historical developments that defined this period such as globalization, the "bursting" of the bubble economy, natural and human-made disasters, and the extension of digital technology into daily life. We will pay special attention to the transformations in media culture that shaped the production, distribution, and consumption of these cultural forms. An overview of Japanese culture in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, this course provides training in the analysis of literary texts and forms of visual narration.
Learning Objectives
This course introduces students to humanistic approaches to analyzing the literature and visual culture of contemporary Japan. Students will learn:
1. methods for interpreting the significance of formal techniques used in literature, film, animation, and manga.
2. how to connect these media to their historical contexts
3. how to write clearly and incisively about these media.
Teaching Method
Lecture and Discussion
Evaluation Method
Attendance and Participation
Weekly Discussion Posts
Three Short Essays
Final Assessment
Class Materials (Required)
All Materials will be available on Canvas
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area