Japanese Popular Culture Since 1945

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In this course we examine a number of Japanese popular cultural artefacts, and look at their influence domestically and globally. There is a strong emphasis on film.  

The course is divided into 5 parts:

Part one: Introduction

Part two: Cinema and Japanese essentialism

Part three: Anime from Japan

Part four: War and memory in popular culture

Part five: Globalizing Japan in US popular culture  

NOTE: THERE IS A COMPULSORY VIEWING OF FILMS EACH WEEK. YOU SHOULD SET ASIDE 2 HRS A WEEK TO VIEW THE CORE FILMS.

100% coursework    1 seminar essay 40%;   1 research essay 40%;   1 film review comparing at least 2 films 10% ;  Seminar participation 10%    

Recommended reading:
Allen and Sakamoto (eds) Popular Culture, Globalization and Japan. Routledge, London and New York, 2006. Available at the University Bookshop in hardback for the paperback price. Outstanding value!!