Growing up in Japan: Youth, culture and society

100% coursework

Prerequisite:

Nil

Co-requisite:

Nil

Description

English-medium elective

This course explores the important question: What has “growing up” in Japan meant for different generations of children, the state, and society throughout the twentieth century? Looking at various aspects of childhood in different decades and in different settings, this course aims to give students an insight into “history from below”. It also explores how the state has attempted to construct and define youth culture. Students will examine experiences of childhood from the perspective of youth using various texts and mediums including essays, diaries, film, photographs, textbooks, storybooks and websites.