East Asian Languages & Lits 292 - Topics in Japanese Popular Culture: The Shojo (Girl) in Japanese Popular Culture

This course examines different examples of Japanese popular culture such as anime, manga, film, popular music, television dramas, and popular fiction. Through readings, viewings, critical analysis and discussion, students analyze the texts within their specific cultural and historical contexts and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese society and culture. Students learn different theoretical frameworks for analyzing a variety of popular culture media. Students also develop a critical awareness of the influence of popular culture on national, regional and global levels. Enrollment limit 20: This course examines representations of the figure of the Shōjo (girl) in Japanese popular culture from the mid-1900s to the present.