East Asian Lang & Literature 249 - NATURL/UNNATURL DISASTRS/JAPAN

The ongoing nuclear meltdown in Fukushima following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami is the latest episode in Japan?s modern history of horrific natural and unnatural disasters. In this course, we will study how writers and filmmakers make art out of such disasters, from autobiographical fiction by atomic bomb survivors to a documentary account of industrial mercury poisoning, and from Godzilla to Studio Ghibli. Meanwhile, we will interrogate concepts of Japan?s supposed balance of nature-loving tradition and modern technotopia. In doing so, we will challenge distinctions between Japan and the world, nature and culture, disaster and routine, and art and politics. All readings are in English. (E)