Japanese cultural studies presentation

ENGL493/693

Cultural Studies: The Films of Hayao Miyazaki

Summer 2017                      Tuesday/Thursday 6:00 – 9:00

Instructor: Robert Budde                                                    phone: 960-6693

Office: ADMIN 3016                                                             email: rbudde@unbc.ca

Course Description

This course will attempt to combine and blend our love for these films with an intense curiosity about what is unique and remarkable in Miyazaki’s narratives, what deep structures of thought are there, and how the films speak to various schools of critical thought. Topics of discussion and writing will include: ecocriticism, feminism, cultural studies, coming-of-age narratives, Japanese and Shinto symbolism, anti-war narratives, mythology, animal studies, archetypal family dramas, the role of transformation, child characters, the role of elders, architecture, wind and flying, food, customs, and the cultural and structural analysis of various theme and image patterns.

 

Required Texts

Miyazaki, Hayao. Kiki’s Delivery Service

---. My Neighbor Totoro

---. Ponyo

---. Howl’s Moving Castle

---. Princess Mononoke

---. Spirited Away

Assignments/Evaluation

Response paper (5 pp) -----------------------------  20%

Participation—weekly discussion

            prompts/provocations-----------------------  20%

Paper abstract &

            annotated bilbiography(2 pp +) ----------- 20%

Final Research Paper (12 pp) ----------------------            40%

Participation: Attendance and involvement in the class activities is crucial to the overall success of the class. Because this is a 4^th-year studio class, you are required to let me and the rest of your peers know if you have to miss a class. For each film I will ask students to bring to class a “prompt”—a specific scene that you would like to show the class and point out specific characteristics you have noticed—and a “provocation”—a tough question for the class about the film (that you may or may not have a hypothetical answer for).

Response paper: These will be short informal papers that will require no research. They should be focused on a minute/precise aspect of one of the first three films we look at.

Paper Proposal: This is to be a 2 page abstract outlining your intended research path. It should include an annotated bibliography of at least 3 sources.

Final Paper: The research paper should include extensive close analysis of the film(s) (I recommend addressing one or two), an engagement with the secondary sources, and a well defined thesis. This paper will be evaluated on clarity, research quality, originality and depth of argument, and effect analysis of the film(s).

Deadline Policy: A 5% per day (including weekend days) late penalty will be assessed to papers handed in after the due date without prior permission. 

If there are students in this course who, because of a disability, may have a need for special academic accommodations, please come discuss this with me, or contact the Access Centre in the T & L Building.

**********Plagiarism:  This is a serious offense so if you are unsure whether or not you are plagiarizing in your writing, consult the university calendar or see me before you complete the assignment.