This course examines Japanese popular culture as a historically situated socio-cultural practice. We will focus on the relationship between popular culture (as commodity, text and practice) and Japanese history and society. How does popular culture reflect the socio-political and material contexts in which it is produced? In what way does pop culture challenge and/or complicate norms and values of the society? What ideology is communicated via narrative and visual forms of popular cultural products, and how do consumers "read" them? We will address such questions in the context of the post-war cultural hegemony of the United States and 21st C cultural globalisation. Modules include "Popular Culture and War memory," "Japan and its Others," Gender in Popular Culture."
While essay writing is a major component of the course, there will also be an emphasis on discussion and collaboration. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussion (both in lectures and tutorials) and bring their own knowledge and ideas to the course. In group presentation, you will be asked to work with others in your group to apply/develop what you have learned in the course to a new popular cultural text of your choice.
While no prior study of Japan or Japanese language is required, JAPANESE150 and/or ASIAN100 would serve as useful preparation for this course.