From Bombs to Buddhism

An exploration of Japanese culture through critical reading of a variety of texts including classic literature, historical accounts, contemporary fiction, manga (Japanese comics), anime (Japanese animation), and film. Throughout the course, students will question what religious beliefs, natural disasters and historical events have shaped Japanese media, which, in turn, will deepen our understanding of contemporary Japanese society. The importance of such disparate phenomena as Buddhism, the dropping of the nuclear bomb, the 1954 film Godzilla;' and the mega - manga ''Akira'' will be considered.