Course Description:

This course uses authentic Japanese-language materials organized around a theme in order to expand students’ vocabulary, cultural literacy, and competency in written and spoken Japanese. Students will develop knowledge and fluency in the thematic area in addition to building self-study habits for continuing toward broader proficiency in Japanese. Class discussions will be conducted mainly in Japanese with occasional use of English, though the balance will be adjusted depending on the proficiency level of students in the course.

The theme for this iteration of the course is climate, nature, and the environment in Japanese culture. Japan’s literature and popular culture are deeply concerned with the relationship between humans and their natural and built environments. Through an examination of literary texts, comics, films, games, and other materials, we will explore issues related to the environment, including climate change, sustainability, contamination, the urban/rural divide, disaster, and environmental inequality.

Syllabus