This course aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese society, culture, human rights movements, and conflict transformation through watching visual media works, such as films, documentaries, interviews, performing arts, etc. We will analyze the themes portrayed in the variety of media and discuss how they stem from the actual world. Students will be asked to view several visual media works throughout the course, reflecting closely on the agenda to be discussed in class. At the same time, students will read literature and articles related to the themes and write reports while incorporating and synthesizing their views and opinions. The final project is to create a movie analysis on a topic such as: Japanese societal and cultural issues, conflict transformation, and human rights, portrayed in a visual media form of the student’s choice by studying existing views and discussions on it while formulating their own argument. The course also aims to develop advanced-level Japanese skills, including the use of advanced grammar, vocabulary, expressions, and reading/writing/communication strategies, while engaging in the activities outlined above.