This course aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese society and culture through watching visual media works, such as films, documentaries, and anime, etc. We will analyze the themes portrayed in them and discuss how they are stemming from the actual world. Students will be asked to view several visual media works throughout the course, reflecting closely on the issues discussed in class. At the same time, students will read articles related to the themes and write reports, incorporating with and synthesizing their views/opinions. The final project will be to write and present a paper on a Japanese social/cultural issue portrayed in a visual media work of the student’s choice by studying existing views and discussions on it and developing his/her own argument. The course also aims to develop advanced-level Japanese skills, including the use of JLPT N1-level grammar, vocabulary, expressions, and advanced strategies for reading and writing, while engaging in the activities outlined above.