JPNB57 Japanese mythology and folklore in popular culture

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2024

The course is not taught in Autumn 2024

Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Melilnda Papp (lecturer)
Mgr. Marek Mikeš, Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Marek Mikeš, Ph.D.
Department of Japanese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Supplier department: Department of Japanese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Prerequisites (in Czech)
SOUHLAS
English proficiency
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/40, only registered: 1/40, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/40
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives (in Czech)
The course aims at introducing students to the influence of Japanese mythology and folklore on Japanese popular culture, in particular in the world of manga and anime. Both mythology and folklore have served as important sources of cultural identity and tradition in Japanese culture. The course will discuss the symbolic aspects of mythological characters and figures in popular culture and their connections to Japanese religious and folklore traditions.
Learning outcomes (in Czech)
After completing the course, students will be able to identify traditional elements in Japanese popular culture, apply a multidisciplinary approach to the study of culture, interpret hidden and multilayered symbolism of cultural elements.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • Topics to be covered in the course: Introduction to Japanese mythology and roots of Japanese folklore
  • religious traditions
  • supernatural beings inspired by mythical beings
  • modern interpretations of the world of yōkai
  • folklore elements in manga and anime
  • symbolism with origins in mythology and folklore
  • the concept of cultural identity and tradition
Literature
  • Quintairos-Solino, A. 2020. „Contemporary Japanese Folktales Represented in Anime: The Paradigmatic Case of InuYasha.” In L. Brugué and A. Llompart (eds). Contemporary Fairy-Tale Magic. Brill, pp.273–285.
  • Ashkenazi, M. 2008. Handbook of Japanese Mythology. Oxford University Press.
  • Shamoon, D. 2013. „The Yōkai in the Database: Supernatural Creatures and Folklore in Manga and Anime.” Marvels & Tales. Vol. 27 (2), pp. 276-289.
  • Craigh, T. J. 2000. Japan Pop: Inside the World of Japanese Popular Culture. New York: Routledge
  • Otmazgin, N. 2012. „Japan Imagined: Popular Culture, Soft Power, and Japan’s Changing Image in Northeast and Southeast Asia.” Contemporary Japan 24(1): 1-19.
  • Sources of Japanese tradition. Edited by William Theodore De Bary - Yoshiko Kurata Dykstra. 2nd ed. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001, xxvi, 524. ISBN 023112984X. info
Teaching methods (in Czech)
lectures, readings, class discussion, media watching, team project work
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Attendace. Students can choose from two options for the final grade: Option A) the grade is based on the result of the final test. Option B) the grade is 50 % based on a presentation and 50 % on the final test.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
General note: Předmět je určen i pro studenty mimo mateřské obory.
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2024/JPNB57