The World of Manga

JAPN (JAPANESE) 215

Instructor: Yukiko Nishida

Open to undergraduate students

Manga (comic books and graphic novels) is one of the most important aspects of contemporary visual culture in Japan; consumed by millions every day, constituting one-third of the annual publications in Japan, and attracting intense attention around the world. In this class, by surveying a large number of works produced in the last fifty years from Tezuka Osamu to Oda Eiichirou (and beyond), we will explore what manga reveals about contemporary cultural production and consumption in Japan; what special features are used to attract people; and what different genres and readers they have. In addition, by introducing graphic novels by major artists and writers and examining key components, social movements and discourses associated with manga, the course will expand your understanding of the history of manga, its aesthetics, and social impact.

This course is conducted in English. Offered as JAPN 215.