A Wesleyan Student's Guide to Fascism: The Case of Modern Japan
CEAS 395
Spring 2024 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
WLIT 395 |
| Course Cluster and Certificates: Social, Cultural, and Critical Theory Certificate |
"Fascism" is a term that is frequently encountered in social and political discourse. But what does this term actually mean? How can we conceive productively of different fascisms across different historical moments and (geo)political contexts--including our own? This course will consider fascism in modern Japan, and address the economic, (geo)political, social, and cultural circumstances that incited what we will call "fascist desire" in Japan's imperial moment and beyond. But while the specific experiences and characteristics of historical fascisms are informed by the unique contexts within which they unfold, including Japan's, fascism as phenomenon can never be reduced to national or cultural particularities, or confined to isolated historical moments. As one possible reaction to the experiences of modernity, that is, the specter of fascism is always with us, everywhere. By engaging with primary and secondary texts--scholarship, music, literature, film--that variously analyzed, challenged, bolstered, and critiqued fascism in the context of modern Japan, students will learn to recognize the specter of fascism in their own lived, everyday contexts, and grow in their ability to confront and counter the conditions and desires that help nourish it. |
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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 Major 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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