Japanese Civilization

3 units

FOR MECC STUDENTS ONLY. This course provides an introduction to Japanese civilization, from its inception to the early twenty-first century. The approach is multidisciplinary, examining the development of Japanese religion, literary arts, political institutions, entertainments, and social values. The first half of the course (to the midterm) will explore the historical and cultural underpinnings of Japan. In the second half, we will focus on contemporary themes and issues: education, gender roles, minorities, popular trends, and Japan's view of itself in the world at large.