Syllabus data
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Teacher name ： Kathryn Tanaka
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Course Title
Contemporary Culture
Course Title in English
Contemporary Culture
Course Type
-
-
Eligible Students
School of Economics and Management
Target Grade
All
Course Numbering Code
IA9991GCA1
Credits
2.00Credits
The course numbering code represents the faculty managing the subject, the department of the target students, and the education category (liberal arts / specialized course). For detailed information, please download the separate manual from the upper right 'question mark'.
Type of Class
講義 (Lecture)
Eligible Year/Semester
Fall semester 2026
(Fall semester)
Instructor
Kathryn Tanaka
Affiliation
国際商経学部
Language of Instruction
English
Related SDGs
1／5／10
Office Hours and Location
By appointment
B308 Contact
kathryn.tanaka@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp
Corresponding Diploma Policy
A double circle indicates the most relevant DP number and a circle indicates the associated DP.
Corresponding Undergraduate School DP
ー
Corresponding Graduate School DP
ー
Corresponding University-Wide DP
1-2◎
Academic Goals of Teacher Training Course
ー
Course Objectives and Learning Outcome
Japan is sometimes called a “soft superpower,” referring to the difference between hard power (usually in the form of military capability) and soft power (or cultural influence). This course is a content and language integrated learning class that introduces students to the historical contexts and social implications behind contemporary popular culture in Japan. We will explore a wide variety of artistic media, ranging from manga, anime, and literature to fashion, film, and music. Of particular concern will be the way culture has developed in the postwar period and how Japanese culture has influenced global trends. Discussion, group work and participation are emphasized in this course.
Subtitle and Keywords of the Class
Japanese pop culture, soft power, Global Japan
Course Overview and Schedule
1. Course Introduction, syllabus review 2. Cool Japan 3. Cute Japan 4. Body, Beauty and Fashion 5. Food Pop Culture 6. Anime and Tourism 7. Race in Japanese Pop Culture 8. K-Pop in Japan and International Relations 9. Fandoms and Fan Culture10. Yokai and pop culture / Pokemon and children's pop culture 11. Murakami Haruki and Pop Literature 12. Human Rights in Manga 13. Pop Culture and the Pandemic 14. Nuclear Issues in Pop Culture 15. Final Coterie Zine Presentations In-person/Remote Classification
In-person
Implementation Method and Remote Credit Limit Application
• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits Uses of Generative AI
Completely forbidden
Precautions for using Generative AI
In this course, the use of generative AI is strictly prohibited. Any use during class is forbidden, and if a violation is discovered, credits may not be granted or may be revoked.
Regardless of whether generative AI is used or not, students must pay attention to the contents described in “Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI in Education at the University of Hyogo (For Students)” Textbook
Materials for the course will be provided by the teacher. References
Sugimoto, Yoshio, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Modern Japanese Culture. Cambridge, 2009. Contents and Estimated Time for Pre- and Post- Learning (Preparation and Review)
Between two and three hours of review and preparation will be necessary for each class.
Contents of Active Learning
Students will complete two out of class experiences and one final Zine for the class.
Grading Criteria and Methods
Grade Distribution:
35% Weekly Homework 30% Preparation and Participation in class 10% Groupwork participation 25% Presentation and Final Zine How to Disclose Assignments and Exam Results
Students will give peer feedback and the teacher will provide responses on the HW or in Unipa.
Precautions and Requirements for Course Registration
Students are expected to complete assignments and actively participate in class discussion and group work activities. They must complete the final project. More than five unexcused absences or failure to complete the final project result in automatic failure.
Practical Education
Students will learn to think critically about pop culture, entertainment, and business.
Remarks
In cases where any differences arise between the English version and the original Japanese version, the Japanese version shall prevail as the official authoritative version.
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