Popular Culture in Japan and East Asia

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Dr Michael Tsang
• Assessment: coursework of 2000 words (50%) and a 15-minute video essay (50%)

In this topical and theoretically grounded module we examine the development and academic significance of various forms of Japanese, Korean and broader East Asian popular culture from multidisciplinary perspectives.

We will explore those forms of East Asian popular culture that have drawn worldwide scholarly attention, including manga, animation, fashion, video games and pop music.

Indicative syllabus

• Theories of popular culture
• Creative industries and nation branding in East Asia
• Representations of femininity in East Asian pop culture
• Idols and celebrities in Japan and Korea
• Pop music from Japan and Korea
• Masculinities in Japanese and Korean pop culture