Detailed Course Information |
Fall 2018
Feb 05,2025 |
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| INTL 204 - PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF ASIA |
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This course investigates Asian society and culture, especially Japan, as they relate
to our lives in the United States. The course has three foci.
First, we examine the notion of culture by investigating the complexity of what
we consider to be "Japanese culture.” "Culture" is constructed through interactions with
other “cultures” in particular political economic contexts. It is fluid and ever changing.
We challenge the myth ofJapan’s homogeneity and investigate multicultural and hybrid
Japan. We focus on the history and experiences of ethnic minorities in Japan, especially
Zainichi Koreans and people with African descent. In this course, we learn how we
imagine and construct what "Japanese culture" is through analyzing media images,
popular culture, food, linguistic signs, and various discourses.
Second, we explore social issues surrounding the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant
accident of 3/11/2011 and its aftermath. We will read various articles, watch lectures
from diverse viewpoints on YouTube, welcome a guest speaker, and discuss the
sustainability and safety of nuclear power plants in Japan and their link to the global
weapons race. Students will engage in activities to raise awareness about the issues
surrounding Fukushima and beyond (midterm project).
Third, we analyze the manifestations of these imaginings of culture in the United
States by focusing on the linguistic landscape in our area. There will be a hands—on
activity (final project) on the topic.
We will study these topics through class lectures; writing discussion papers; class
discussions of video clips, films we see in class, and assigned readings; listening to guest
lectures; organizing activities to raise awareness about the situation in Fukushima; doing
out-of-class research on the linguistic landscape; and writing mid-term and final papers.
This is a General Education Program Course. This course will examine the
interconnectedness of political, economic, and cultural domains and construction of
cultural representations. It will provide a context through which students can learn to
interpret and critically analyze world events and interactions.
0.000 TO 4.000 Credit hours 0.000 TO 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Undergraduate Schedule Types: Hybrid, Lecture, Online Course International Studies Department Course Attributes: Gen Ed 2018, Gen Ed 18-Global Awareness, OLD GE-INTERNATIONAL ISSUES Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Undergraduate |
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