Anime Spirituality ((3))

Catalog description

Religious and spiritual themes pervade the popular Japanese story-telling media of anime and manga. Nature spirits struggle with humanity Buddhist saints strive for social justice, and shrine maidens offer hope in apocalyptic worlds. This course examines contemporary Japanese religiosity and spirituality through the narratives, characters, and imagery of anime and manga. Along the way, students will gain an introduction to major religious traditions, such as Buddhism and Shinto, as well as significant moments in Japanese religious history.