In the era of Globalization, Japan seemingly occupies a position in people’s mind as the leading nation of hyper-technologies for transportation, communication and entertainment. Yet at the same time, images of traditional, exotic, mythic or even eccentric Japan are widely circulating in contemporary Western media, typically in Hollywood films, as “representations” of the country. Is this stereotypical or taken-for-granted “reality” perhaps a constructed imaginary in the West that circulates as a shared code?
This course provides an introduction to central concepts and issues of representing “difference” from the perspective of so-called Cultural Studies. Taking Edward W. Said’s Orientalism as a point of departure, we will first discuss the (in)applicability of his concept of the Orient to Japan. Focusing on the study of (visual) representation of the country and its culture in the visual arts, literature, popular culture and mass media in the West, this course intends to enable students to analyze how meanings are constructed through representation in cultural, political and ideological frameworks. This course aims to help students to gain skills in argumentation, and to develop analytical insight into representation of another culture and critical reflection on the practice of representing.
Rooster
Thursday: 15:00-17:00
see: rooster
Onderwijsvorm
seminar
A la Carte- en Contractonderwijs
Belangstellenden die deze cursus in het kader van A la carte onderwijs willen volgen (zonder tentamen), vinden hier meer informatie over kosten, inschrijving, voorwaarden etc.
Belangstellenden die deze cursus in het kader van Contractonderwijs willen volgen (met tentamen), vinden hier meer informatie over kosten, inschrijving, voorwaarden etc.
Leerdoelen
This course aims to: introduce students to the fundamentals of method in political science (ie. generic and transferable skills); introduce students to the key events and processes that define post-war Japanese politics; encourage and develop critical thinking and skills in argumentation; encourage and develop academic writing skills.
Literatuur
reader
Toetsing
Participation element (including attendance): 20%
Review element (book review (500-600 words) or presentation): 30%
Analytical element (analytical essay (1,000-1,200 words)): 50%
Informatie
Takako Kondo: takako@asiascape.net
NB: Studenten moeten kiezen uit:_
_- BA1-seminar: Representations of Japan in Contemporary Media; – BA1-seminar: Ethics and Morality in Japan; – BA1-seminar: Religie van Japan; – BA1-seminar: Literatuur
STUDENTEN MOETEN ZICH DUS NIET VOOR AL DEZE 4 CURSUSSEN INSCHRIJVEN, maar één cursus kiezen en zich daarvoor inschrijven
Blackboard/webpagina
Blackboard is important in this course. Information on the contents of the course will be provided on Blackboard and students will be asked to put postings on the Blackboard on a regular basis.