110-219 Japanese Popular Culture

Usually completion of 50 points of first year arts including 25 points of first year study in anthropology, art history, Asian studies, cinema studies, criminology, English, history, history and philosophy of science, Japanese, linguistics and applied linguistics, philosophy, political science or sociology.

This subject aims to analyse the relationship between popular cultural phenomena and society in general, including a discussion of popular culture as both a product and a determinant of national and gender identity. The globalisation of Japanese popular culture is a major concern of this subject, both with reference to 20th century westernisation of Japan and contemporary exports to East Asia. This subject introduces students of Japanese language to the academic approaches taken when looking at popular culture. Students of cultural studies will apply their knowledge to an examination of one of the world's most vibrant cultural industries.

• achieve critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining strength of an argument;

• achieve cultural thinking essay writing and tutorial discussions

Critical essays totalling 2000 words 40% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour final examination 50% (due during the examination period), and continuous tutorial participation 10%. A hurdle requirement of a minimum 70% attendance of all tutorials required.

Materials supplied by the Asia Institute.