Faculty: Mindy Landeck
Description: Disembodied spirits, trickster animals that assume human shape, Godzilla and Pokemon: these are just a few of the monsters that have beguiled and enchanted the Japanese cultural imagination through the ages. Referred to as “yokai”/fantastic beings, ‘bakemono”/transforming things, or “kaiju”/mysterious beasts, these beings of the otherworld or the supernatural realm provide unique insights into the collective cultural psyche – the fears and desires – of the Japanese. Through an exploration of both historical and modern discourses on monsters in literature, visual arts, and scholarly studies, this course will elucidate the cultural history of the monstrous in Japan.
Meeting Information: 01/04/2021-01/26/2021 On Campus Jan Term Course Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Section Requisites: Estimated out of pocket expense: $45. Instructor interview via e-mail required. PREQ: Cannot have taken GS*150*N (mini course on this topic offered Summer 2020 to incoming freshmen).