From Fascism to Fukushima: Navigating the Everyday in Modern Japan
CEAS 395
Spring 2023 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
WLIT 395 |
| Course Cluster and Certificates: Social, Cultural, and Critical Theory Certificate |
Terms like "fascism" and "nationalism" have begun to creep into popular and media discourse on contemporary social and political experience, both in Japan and elsewhere. But what do terms like these actually mean? How can we conceive of the phenomena that they are meant to signify? This course explores questions like these (and others) by attending to the experiences of everyday life--what scholars have called "everydayness"--in modern and contemporary Japan. By attending to literature, music, film, and scholarly texts, we will consider some of the different ways in which "Japan" has been understood by different individuals in different historical moments, and think about the ways in which the contingent experience of living the everyday can engender specific--often ambiguous--political stances upon the world. By emphasizing the transnational commonalities of "everydayness" as the experience of life under capitalism, we will note some of the ways in which the everyday in modern Japan opens up ways for thinking about our own social and political moments, as well. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CEAS |
| Course Format: Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-MN)(CEAS)(CEAS-Lit&Cult)(CSCT) |
Major Readings:
In this seminar, we will grapple with a wide range of textual materials--including novels, short stories, and scholarly works, but also music and film--that can help us conceive productively of modernity and fascism across different historical moments, in Japan and beyond. Materials to be examined include works by Yukio Mishima, Slavoj Zizek, Imamura Shohei, Natsume Soseki, Tosaka Jun, and many more. These will be made available via Moodle and/or the Wesleyan course reserve system. All materials (texts, music, film) will be provided in English translation; no prior knowledge of Japanese language or Japanese culture is necessary. Refer to the syllabus for a comprehensive list of materials to be covered.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Reflection papers, class discussion leading, final research project. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
First year students wishing to take this seminar are welcome, but should consult with the instructor prior to enrolling. |
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