POPULAR CULTURE*

概要

The course turns to anthropological perspectives on Japanese popular culture, with a focus on gender and sexuality, as well as consideration of ethnicity and class. Through the lens of Japanese popular culture, we examine the relationship between identity and participation in the changing landscape reflected in practices and attitudes of people in Japan. Topics include representations of gender/race, heteronormality, subculture of fashion/music, youth problems, performing/consuming gender and sexuality, the participatory culture of otaku/oshi-katsu, commodified intimate activities in host/hostess clubs, online communication of “virtual” relationships, and the new technology of humanoid robots. Emphasis will be on the critical analysis of the representations and practices of gender and sexuality alongside key concepts and theories related to gender and sexuality such as performativity, queer theory, and intersectionality. We will also employ a broad range of visual and ethnographic materials in order to sharpen analytical skills. Gender here is understood not simply as an issue of individual male-female relationships but also as integral to power relations of all kinds, from orientalist discourses about the East, to the globalization of queer identities and the emergence of an international market for care and sex work. In this course, we try to approach gender in a relational manner, questioning how gendered subjectivities emerge from various power relations.

目標

By the end of this course, students will be able to 1) Obtain a rich understanding of Japanese popular culture 2) Carefully unpack various gendered assumptions in their own and other societies 3) Engage in sophisticated and respectful discussions on topics relevant to popular culture of Japan 4) Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate sources and develop arguments about gender and sexuality in Japanese popular culture

授業外の学習

Before the scheduled class period, read the assigned reading thoroughly. Take notes of any concepts, terms, or sections that are unfamiliar, formulate questions, and bring them to class. The Length of time for work expected outside per class is below. Reading assignments (60 minutes). Work on class assignments (60 minutes) Review class lecture and prepare for individual projects (70 minutes)

所要時間: 190 minitues