Bachelor
2021/2022
An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures
Type:
Elective course (Asian and African Studies)
Area of studies:
Asian and African Studies
Delivered by:
Institute of Asian and African Studies
When:
4 year, 3 module
Mode of studies:
distance learning
Online hours:
16
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Alexey Lushchenko
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
6
Course Syllabus
Abstract
In this course students will explore girls comics, boys comics, the Hatsune Miku vocaloid, cosplay, and J-pop idols, focusing on the themes such as Love, Battle, Technology and Fan culture, in which they’ll learn about the different cultural creations that underpin Japanese subcultures. With materials for cultural analysis, students will develop a basic knowledge of key Japanese subcultures, learning the recognisable traits of each. Also, in the course students will discover historic background of youth culture in Japan, and understand the enormous impact of World War II. Finally, this course will give students a new perspective on the young people of Japan, exploring how they can be seen to elaborate the world of “immaturity” and “vulnerability.” Students will see the reason these characteristics of Japanese subculture attract “global” attention. The course consists of a test on online materials, 1 presentation, 1 essay, and final exam.
Learning Objectives
- The goal of this course is to introduce students to Japanese subcultures that have developed since the 1950s.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Able to compare the context of Japanese subculture with learners’ own cultural background
- Able to evaluate the significant meanings of youth culture
- Able to interpret subcultural materials along with social background
- Able to investigate the reason why Japanese culture has a strong impact and popularity in global context
Course Contents
- On-line course
- Understanding Japanese youth culture
- Considering vulnerability and immaturity in Japanese social context
- Love relationship and self-acknowledgment
- Battles and competition in educational institutions
- Machine and Human
- Derivative works and fan culture
- A history of subculture since 1970
Assessment Elements
- Online component (Test)Students have to self-study the online course “An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures” in English language on the platform of Future Learn [futurelearn.com] https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/intro-to-japanese-subculture.
- PresentationDepending on the number of students, presentations can be either individual or prepared in groups by 2-3 students. The time limit for presentation is about 15 minutes and should not be exceeded. Students are expected to read literature recommended in the syllabus, as well as to search for extra sources, especially in order to get most up-to-date information on the topic of their presentation. If a student is not able to be present during the seminar due to illness or any other legitimate reason (appropriate document must be provided), he/she should contact the instructor to be assigned an alternative task. The grade for the presentation also includes the grade for in-class participation during seminars: answers to questions, contribution to discussions, debates, etc.
- EssayAn essay is a written work between 6 and 8 thousand characters in length. In the essay, the student must demonstrate the ability to logically and consistently present the content of the refereed scientific works, identify and formulate main ideas of the refereed material, author's concepts, summarize the studied material, cite author's text correctly, compile a bibliographic description of the refereed material in accordance with GOST.
- ExamExam takes place online. Students are asked to write 2 detailed, clear and logical essays discussing 2 topics related to the content of this course. Both essays (about 500-700 words each, typed in Word) have to be written in English and submitted to the instructor at the end of the exam.
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 3rd module0.2 * Essay + 0.2 * Presentation + 0.3 * Exam + 0.3 * Online component (Test)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Kawamura, Y. (2012). Fashioning Japanese Subcultures. Berg Publishers.
- Sugimoto, Y. (2003). An Introduction to Japanese Society: Vol. 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Bolton, C. (2018). Interpreting Anime. Univ Of Minnesota Press.
- Darling-Wolf, F. (2018). Routledge Handbook of Japanese Media. London: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1704284
- Gianni Simone. (2017). Tokyo Geek’s Guide : Manga, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay, Toys, Idols & More - The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Otaku Culture. Tuttle Publishing.
- Hector Garcia. (2019). A Geek in Japan : Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony (Revised and Expanded with New Topics): Vol. Revised and expanded with new topics. Tuttle Publishing.
- John E. Ingulsrud, & Kate Allen. (2009). Reading Japan Cool : Patterns of Manga Literacy and Discourse. Lexington Books.
- Mark W. MacWilliams. (2008). Japanese Visual Culture : Explorations in the World of Manga and Anime. Routledge.
- Maya Keliyan. (2011). Kogyaru and Otaku: Youth Subcultures Lifestyles in Postmodern Japan.
- Mizuko Ito, Daisuke Okabe, & Izumi Tsuji. (2012). Fandom Unbound : Otaku Culture in a Connected World. Yale University Press.
- Roman Rosenbaum. (2013). Manga and the Representation of Japanese History. Routledge.
- Sandra Buckley. (2002). Encyclopedia of Contemporary Japanese Culture. Routledge.