Course Details

This course will be an introduction to modern Japan through its cinema, in which we will use a wide variety of twentieth-century films to discuss a wide variety of topics. Not only will be viewing films in a variety of genres — documentary, drama, comedy, science fiction, historical, supernatural, avant-garde, and animation — we will also be discussing topics ranging from the nature of art to the moral questions of nuclear modernity. Although our discussions will be sensitive to the specific nature of film as an expressive medium, we will consider the topics of art, history, society, war, propaganda, tradition, and morality.

PARTICIPATION: Participation in classroom discussions is central to successful performance in the class. Students must have seen the relevant film before class meetings, read the recommended secondary material, and have written a brief (250-word) reaction paper. Secondary materials are provided to present a variety of responses (primarily academic) to the films. Papers will be submitted at the end of class. Students will be advised during the first meeting concerning how to write appropriate responses.

GRADING: Grades will be determined through a combination of the student’s preparation for and participation in discussions (50%), response papers (30%), and a final examination (20%).

For more information, see the course website: http://faculty.washington.edu/tmack/0910/as253a.html