Animals and Nature in Japanese Culture

Catalog description

This course serves as an introduction to ecocriticism through the lens of Japanese culture from the late medieval period to the present day. We will approach themes relating to the study of the natural world from a multidisciplinary perspective, and the course will address topics concerning Japanese history, religion, folklore, and contemporary media. Students will learn to identify and analyze ecological themes in current events, social issues, and texts drawn from popular culture.