KUGF Course Guide 2019

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Japanese Popular Culture(Postwar Japanese Culture)Japan has sometimes been described as a “soft super-power,” referring to the difference between so-called hard power (usually in the form of military capability) and so-called soft power (or cultural influence). This course introduces students to the historical contexts and social implications behind contemporary popular culture in Japan. We will explore a wide variety of artistic media, ranging from manga, anime, and literature to fashion, film, and music. Of particular concern will be the way culture has developed in the postwar period and how Japanese culture has influenced global trends. Topics include Godzilla and atomic energy, Miyazaki Hayao and environmentalism, gender roles, and social activism.2 creditsSpring SemesterFall SemesterModule 4Japan StudiesJapanese Philosophy and ThoughtsThis Japanese Philosophy and Thoughts course explores main philosophical thoughts in Japan from ancient to modern times. This course traces some of the influences of social, political, and economical factors on the development of the philosophical ideas. It also gives students an opportunity to study these concepts through an examination of various contemporary issues Japan is faced with today. This course will mainly be student-driven, and thus students are expected to actively engage with others in the course and prepare to discuss the topics in class. They will also have an opportunity to prepare and deliver an individual or group presentation towards the end of the semester.Some topics examined in this course include "wa, nationalism, internationalism, and globalism," "Kamakura Buddhism and apocalyptic thought," and "Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism, feudalism, and Bushido." No prior knowledge of Japanese philosophy and thoughts required.2 creditsSpring SemesterJapanese ArtsThis course introduces students to the history of the visual and performing arts of Japan. The arts will be treated chronologically, from the earliest times to the present. Subjects covered will include paintings, sculpture, architecture, tea, literature, clothing, Noh, Kabuki, Bunraku, Shingeki, and music.2 creditsSpring SemesterJapanese Culture(JPN Culture and Contemporary Literature)This Japanese Culture and Contemporary Literature course examines contemporary Japanese literature, including works written by Haruki Murakami 村上春樹 and Yoko Tawada 多和田葉子. These two writers spent living abroad and are often referred to as "globally oriented Japanese authors" whose writing styles are considered non-traditional by the Japanese literary establishment. In fact, Murakami himself states that he is an "outcast", and Tawada seems to identify with "outsiders" whom she portrays in her works. However, at the same time, many Western critics and readers find that Japanese culture is very much a part of their works. By reading stories of these Japanese writers who have strong connections with the Western world, students explore historical and cultural issues that have dominated Japanese society and examines crucial ideas and positions currently shaping Japanese thought—which are viewed from both the inside and outside of Japan. This course is mainly student-driven, and thus students are expected to actively engage with others in the course and prepare to discuss various topics in class. Since it is a communication intensive course in which students are required to have a series of discussion and deliver group presentations, class attendance and participation are mandatory. 2 creditsSpring SemesterJapanese History(The History and Culture of Medieval Japan)This course will look at society and culture in Japan roughly between 1200 and 1600. Medieval Japan was influenced at all levels by the rise in power of the samurai, and their distinctive culture holds much fascination for students of Japanese history and society. Social and cultural contributions by warriors are a central theme throughout the course. However, peasants and those outside the periphery of power were also an extremely important factor in the development of medieval Japanese culture. Various facets such as the arts and religion will be considered in my series of lectures. By the end of the course, students will have learned about the unfolding of historical processes during this turbulent time in Japanese history, as well as the evolution of many aspects of traditional culture and ideals.2 creditsSpring SemesterJapanese Literature(Intro. to Classical JPN Literature)This course offers a survey of classical Japanese literature from the Nara Period through the Edo Period or from 700 CE to 1800 CE and attempts to provide a general idea of the literary expression trends in ancient Japan. We will also study the representative works of this period and reflect on the objects of Japanese aesthetic appreciation.2 creditsSpring SemesterKANSAI UNIVERSITY GLOBAL FRONTIER6