Module Code - Title:
JA4626
-
JAPANESE LITERATURE AND CULTURE SINCE THE LATE 20TH CENTURY
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is an introduction to contemporary culture in Japan in the late 20th century. It provides students with the means to evaluate changes in Japanese popular genres, prose and poetry in the late 20th century. Students become familiar with developments in contemporary Japanese culture and literature through focusing on significant developments in Japanese literature, animation and film during these periods:
The end of the Showa Era
The Heisei Boom
The Lost Decade
Japan in the New Century
Syllabus:
This module allows students to improve their ability to speak and write Japanese by analyzing changes in late 20th century Japanese literature and culture through reading, watching and analyzing a range of texts from literature as well as texts from popular culture (film, animation) in the target language. The module will further develop students' written skills through translation and essay writing as well as developing spoken skills through in-class discussion.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Critical analysis of key aspects of the late 20th century literary and cultural experience in the target language;
Read and analyze critically a wide range of authentic texts;
Write essays and discuss various aspects of Japanese literature and popular culture.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Appreciate issues in contemporary Japanese society through study of literature and popular culture;
Express opinions on texts read;
Develop critical thinking skills through discussion and essay-writing.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught through close engagement with texts followed by analysis of texts read in whole-class discussions and essays. Successful completion of this module will enable students to become more knowledgeable about Japanese culture and culture as well as the language used to discuss popular and other literature. Discussion and essay writing will aid the development of critical analytical skills as well as helping students to become more articulate.
Prime Texts:
¿¿¿
Miyazaki Hayao (2001)
¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
Studio Ghibli
¿¿¿¿¿
Takita Yojiro (2008)
¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
Departures
, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
Sebik International
¿¿¿
Shinkai Motoko (2007)
¿¿¿5¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
Byousoku 5 senchime-toru
, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
Comix Webwave
¿¿¿¿
Ishizaki Yoshi (2003)
¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Chainmail
, ¿¿¿ Kodansha
¿¿¿¿¿¿
Tagichi Randi (2006)
¿¿¿¿¿ Fujisan
, ¿¿¿¿ Bungei shunnshuu
¿¿¿
Hoshi Shinichi
(1971)
¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Bokkochan
, ¿¿¿ Shinchousha.
¿¿¿¿
Itami Juzo (1984)
¿¿¿¿¿ Osoushiki
, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
Itami Productions
¿¿¿¿
Ishigagki Rin (1998)
¿¿¿¿ Shishuu
, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
Kadokawa Haruki jimusho
Other Relevant Texts:
¿¿¿¿
Nishida T. (2014)
¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
Fantashi- no ideorogi- Gendai Nihon no Anime Kenkyu
, ¿¿¿¿¿
Hitsuji shobou
Tsuitsui, W.M. (2010)
Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization
, Association for Asian Studies
Hane, M. (1996)
Eastern Phoenix: Japan Since 1945
, Westview Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF ARTS INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED ACCESS
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN LANGUAGES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Akie.Nagahashi@ul.ie