Middlebury

JAPN 0312

Tokyo Between History & Utopia

Tokyo: Between History and Utopia
In this course we will explore the history of Tokyo—from its "prehistory" as a small castle town in the 16th century to the cosmopolitan metropolis of the 20th century—and trace how Tokyo has captured the imagination as a space of possibility, of play, and for many, of decadence. Through a range of sources, including films, novels, ethnographies, and historical essays, we will use Tokyo as a "site" (both urban and ideological) through which to explore broader questions related to capitalist modernity, the formation of the nation-state, cultural identity, gender politics, and mass-culture. 3 hrs. sem.
Subject:
Japanese
Department:
Japanese Studies
Division:
Languages
Requirements Fulfilled:
AAL HIS NOA SOC
Equivalent Courses:
HIST 0312 *

Sections in Spring 2021

Spring 2021

JAPN0312A-S21 Seminar (Ward)