History 331PC - Popular Culture in East Asia

From manga to K-pop, East Asian cultural influence has expanded worldwide. This course explores popular cultures in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong from the 18th century to the present. Using interdisciplinary techniques and sources, we will investigate traditional forms such as Chinese opera, pansori, and kabuki; the emergence of cities as centers for popular culture; and connections with technology, ideology, and gender. Following intensive discussion of readings and visual materials in the classroom, students will undertake a final research project based on primary sources?movies, TV programs, magazines, novels, plays, popular songs, etc.?and present their work to the class.